How long until I replace my girl?

How long would you suggest I waited until I replace my darling Lucy with another fur-baby.

Some say replace now, other say wait. The thought of having another one in no way feels right. Please help, I dont want to leave it too long!

Thanks

Neesey, If you don't feel right about it, don't do it. I have found for myself, the sooner the better. If you can visit an animal shelter, and a certain kitten touches your heart, you'll know for sure. There are many homeless babies waiting to be loved. If you can't bring yourself to go, by all means wait. Of course, no other cat can replace Lucy, so please don't expect that. You would resent the kitten for not being Lucy. Your next kitty will be its own sweet, mischievous self. Check out the "purr factor"-- that is, how relaxed the kitten feels in your arms, whether she wants to come to you, whether or not she is lively or quiet, (not how loudly she can purr, but if she likes you) and what your feelings are towards her or him. If you have always wanted a purebred cat, you might want to consider a breeder also. Do it in your own time.

you will know in your heart when the time is right.The sad reality is that are so many that need adopting and the need is so great. I know that if I only had one cat and I lost that single one, I would go out almost immediately to a shelter and adopt another. But it all depends on the individual and no one but yourself knows when and if you are ready to open your heart again.

You should do it when you are when you are ready. If you feel ready now, you should do it now. If not, wait. You can never really replace a furbaby, but when one goes to the bridge, there is room for another in a loving home.

I couldn't vote in the poll because there is no one right answer. Some people want another right away to fill the void - but not as a replacement. You already know that you can never replace Lucy. She was very special in her own ways, just as any new kitty you would bring home would be special in their own way. However, the last thing you would want to do is bring home a kitten and not be able to love that uniqueness for grieving the loss of Lucy. It wouldn't be fair to either of you.

Perhaps what you should do is pay a visit to a shelter. If the "right" kitty is there, they will find you and touch you in the same way that Lucy did the first time you saw her. If you can't even make it in the door, you aren't ready yet. There's no definite timeline you have to follow. We will be here to continue helping you grieve Lucy, and to share the joy when you bond with another furbabe.

I have to agree with what the others have already said.
You will know when the time is right.

A pet is a lifetime commitment, so you want to be sure you are ready.

I agree ..... do it when you feel you are ready.

Ditto. But Neesey - at least you are talking about it and thinking about it.

That has to be a positive sign.

Think also about separating the grief for Lucy and missing her as much as you do, from the heartening thought of giving a new baby a home.

Hi,
from my experiece I can only say replace it at onceAnd don´t think of it as a replacement.It´s nothing but a new start. Iusually went home from the shelter ccying because I was still longing for the cat that had just died.On the other hand a new cat is a good distractionand with their sweet character they will win you soon.and don´t leave you much time to be unhappy.So visit different sheltersand I´m sure there´ll be one cat who is going to tell you:You are mine.All the best and good luck with your search. Elisabeth