How soon to get a new cat?
Hi everyone
Our family cat Lily, who was an almost 9 years old calico cat, died of complications from myelodysplastic syndrome. She died on May 8, 2026. I am absolutely gutted.
We have another family cat, Penelope, who is 12 years old with GI issues and arthritis. She wasn’t too attached with Lily but she senses her loss. She keeps searching the house for her, as if Lily will come out of nowhere and appear. Penelope is aging and I worry about her loneliness but also overwhelming her with a new cat.
My family, we’re all grieving. Lily fought two hard months before the complications became too much on her tiny body. My parents are seniors and they loved having a house filled with cats. They feel the silence now with just Penelope.
I know nothing will ever replace Lily and we have signed up for therapy to help us grieve.
Personally I don’t know if I can last another month, let alone week, without another second cat to keep company me, my parents/sister and Penelope.
I don’t want to be selfish with the decision-making. I am the one who initially adopted Lily and Penelope on my own as a broke student. They became the family cats when I moved back home from school.
I would love to hear your thoughts to help me be more realistic with my decision-making.
I attached pictures of Lily (the calico who passed away) and Penelope.
I miss Lily so much