Lost my kitten

This morning as I was getting ready to take my 5 month old kitten to have surgery to remove an obstruction in her intestines she died. I am so sad and I miss her so much already. Things seem so different not having her jumping on me or hearing her beg for her treats. I am happy that she is no longer suffering but sad that she had to leave so young. The house no longer feels the same and my nieces and nephews who would come to play with her are sad also and questioning me about where she is and how she died which only makes me sadder. I don't know what the next step is and it feels like I will never be ok. ): 

Oh, Lili, I'm so sorry.  It's so devastating to lose a beloved pet.  I'm very sorry for the loss of your little girl. 

You should take time to mourn her passing and also be honest with your nephews. Please realize that you are in the unique place of having the option to save another kitten or cat's life. Adopt from a shelter or group and give another sweet cat a chance for happiness.

Thank you to both of you. And yes I have thought about adopting a new kitten but I think it will take some time. She and her brother have been my first pets so this is my first loss and i shared so many moments with them. When I first found her she was outside my house crying at 3 am. Her mom had left her and her brother so we took them in and she was the smaller one so I was so worried she might not make it but she did and was always so hyper. I still have her brother who has also been looking for her in her favorite places unable to find her. 

Take your time, Lili.  You'll know if and when you're ready to take in another one.  It might help her brother to have a companion but give yourself whatever time you need to process the loss and grieve.  

It was so good of you to take in her and her brother and you did everything you could for her--her life was too short but full of love and warmth, thanks to you.  

Betsygee: thank you, I know he does seem very sad right now. I will try to find him a companion but I think I will wait a few weeks. I don't think i'm ready just yet to open up to a new kitty. I think I will feel more sad comparing the new kitty to my canela. ):

That's completely understandable.  

You will find lots of supportive, understanding folks--so many of us have been through what you're going through.  You're not alone. 

I'm very sorry for your loss. It's so sad when such a young cat passes away.

Jcat: Yes, it is very sad. We all still miss her sooooo much. It has only been one day. ):

I'm so sorry for the loss of your kitty.

Peaches08: thank you and everyone else who has taken the time to read my post and say some comforting words.

You are mourning the loss of a wonderful friend and companion, it will take time to remember her with smiles instead of tears. Just remember that she would never want you to be so sad, she'll be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge, safe and warm. It would be a wonderful way to fill that hole in your heart by loving another when you are ready, and

it would honor her memory by doing so. Please know we are here to comfort you in any way we can, feel free to share your pain with others that have traveled the same journey you are now undertaking. Take care of yourself and be strong. RIP beautiful little girl!

Thank you Di and Bob. It has been tough still but I know I will get through it. Thank you so much for your kind words.

I am very sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to your nieces and nephews, as well.   Please take comfort in how much your kitten was loved by you and your family.  

Sweetie, I'm so sorry for the loss of your little girl. How wonderful and kindhearted you are for taking her in. I hope that her brother can be of some comfort to you.

Thank you nurseangel and susank521. He has been some comfort but he is pretty sad. He rarely ever meowed and now he does it pretty often. I believe it is because he misses her. They used to play together and groom each other. He still seems to be eating pretty good and drinking water and using his litter but I am worried I could lose him to depression. Would you guys recommend I find him a new friend? I do not want to lose him also but I know adopting would be good because I will be saving a kitty. But I am also worried that I may be disrespecting her memory by finding a new pet. I also still miss her a lot so I don't know if I am ready yet for a new pet.

I'm sure he is missing her, too, poor little guy. They do grieve and miss their companions but he will settle down and adjust to the new situation. He's so young, he would definitely benefit from having a companion. You will too, eventually, when it's right for you. Don't rush into getting another pet before you're ready, but if you're ready, don't be concerned about disrespecting her memory. One has nothing to do with the other, so don't stress yourself over that. Hugs to both of you.