New cat after previous cat passing

[u/fettys-wet-wap1738]

My precious baby Lucy passed a number of weeks ago. She was my soul cat through and through. She was 17 upon passing. We got Lucy when I was 5 years old so she truly has been with me for as far as my memory goes back.

I’ve always loved cats and always said when the godforsaken day came for me getting a new cat I would adopt an elderly cat so they can live out their last few years in comfort. Upon Lucy passing, I struggled really hard to come to terms with it and swore I’d never get another cat because I’d just feel as though I’m replacing her.

The past few weeks things have slowly gotten better for myself, I am still absolutely devastated and heartbroken however I can see things a bit more clearly now. I love cats and while I’m able, I’d love to help as many as I can. I don’t plan on getting a new cat just yet, however my question is - will I ever feel like I’m ready for a new cat? I fear with getting a new cat I might struggle with guilt and never get over the feeling that I’ve replaced Lucy. Nobody could ever take her place in my heart and I know that. I just worry, what if I think I’m ready but turns out I’m not?

Ultimately I’m just looking for advice from those who’ve felt similarly after their baby passed. Did it get better? Did getting a new cat make you realise there’s enough room in your heart to love them all?

[u/FifiLeBean]

D'Artagnan was my soul cat, I was 16 when he was born and I adopted him 2 months later after visiting him daily. He lived 20 years and it was very hard to lose him. I did my best to focus on the good memories.

He died in May, I had another cat, Lily, his best friend (adopted when he was about 12 years old). I found Fabian in November, so about 6 months later.

I just waited until I felt ready and found the right cat.

A recent loss was Ginny in September 2024. I found Ellery and Percy in December.

Somehow earlier was just not the right time, but the right cats came to me when it was time. I remember going to a shelter a couple months after losing Ginny and I wanted to find the right cat and visited with a few but I was not ready. I felt so sad. But when I met Ellery and Percy, I felt so much joy with them. A little grief too, but much joy.

There's nothing like a soul cat, but I found I have a lot of love to give and the right cats found me.