Is it too early to get another kitten, after the loss of two cats I was very close with?

[A.Wyatt]

I had two cats who I had a very close bond with. I watched them both grow up since the day they were born. They were both male, one year old, when they went outside together as usual, and never came back. Both of them would ALWAYS come by their names when i called for they, they never went far. My plan was for them to be indoor cats, but they didn't like that idea, so i slowly while they were kittens (12 weeks old) started letting them into the yard. I'm a 17 year old guy, and every cent i got went into them. Vet visits, food, toys, litter, litter boxes (as they grew), treats. I was the sole caregiver for them. Therefore, they grew VERY attached to me and i can honestly say they were two of my best friends. They slept in my bed, and i grew to love them very, very much. I put up flyers, ads online, posted on my Facebook page for people to watch for them.. with no luck in bringing my babies home. I'm having a very hard time with this. I often find myself lonely, wishing i had a cat to hold, play with, talk to.
I don't want a girlfriend. I'm gay, and actually AM talking to a guy who may be a future partner. Some guys like cats, get over it.

[Angealeah]

No not if u feel ur ready 2 get one

[Chuck]

Well maybe you should try a dog or even better yet a girl freind.. just sayin its kinda weird to live your life around your cats... ps its alittle creepy and i wouldnt doubt it if a family member killed them so you can go find a girl...girlfriend. what ever...uhhhh wow dude really...

[Nicole]

Get another cat. Don't let it outside because you obviously have a cat burgular in your neighborhood. I have one cat that goes outside & I am terrified of what mite happen to him but he hates it indoors ...This could help you get over the loss of your 2 loved ones.

[Lilly]

If you are pretty sure they aren't coming back, get a kitten. If you don't, it will become harder and harder for you to get a new cat. Some people suggest getting another pet right after yours has gone. That way you don't feel guilty, and the memory of your previous pets is recent enough to keep you from constantly comparing them to the new one. Were your cats neutered? A male that hasn't been neutered is going to wander in search of females, and is going to get in fights. I don't know why someone wants you to get a girlfriend instead of a cat. Cats give unconditional love! I think its weird to be invested in the love life of someone you've never met.

[anonymous]

Leave a bowl of food outside just incase assuming of course you don't have local raccoons) and a new kitten would never hurt incase they don't return but don't be too heart broken, my ex gf had a cat that ran away and returned 6 months later meowing at her back door!!!!!!! And if you do get a kitten it will help you with your heart ache till they hopefully do one day come back if not then you at least have the new lil guy (whom may be better off a house cat) but never give up hope! and at least they have eachother with them, once one wants to go back im sure the other will follow! Chances are they didn't stray too far and they're in your neighbourhood, also check your local animal shelters! Good Luck!

[Ocimom]

Sorry for your loss. However, YOU are in charge - not the cats. In the future I strongly recommend you do not let them out unsupervised. If you want to take them out - do so supervised only. Either train to a harness/leash and take them out or build/buy and enclosure where they can sit outside for awhile.

But kittens/cats are far safer inside. I do recommend you take your time. Don't be in a big rush to go get another kitten. Visit a few shelters in your area and when the right kitten shows up - you will know it in your heart. And bonus is that adopting from the shelter your kittens will come with all shots, worming, FELV testing and be neutered/spayed before you go home.

This is very important. Cats that are not neutered or spayed are more likely to want outside and they can get killed, hurt, or disappear. I'm guessing your boys were not neutered and that is probably why you never saw them again. Do the right and responsible thing - spay/neuter the kittens in the future.

[Helen Rempel]

You are the only one who knows if you're ready to open your heart to another cat. There is no "set" time to wait or to grieve. Some people can get a new pet the next day, others aren't ready for months.

[A.R.]

Good for you! It's so nice to hear about a guy who loves cats!! Doesn't matter if your gay or not. Sensitive people seem to gravitate toward cats and I can tell that you are very sensitive person.

Have you called the local shelter? They could have been picked up. When you go out to call them, walk, stop and listen for their cries, walk, stop and keep listening. Could they have gotten into a garage or some other place and gotten locked in? Cats that haven't been neutered will wander off quite a bit looking for mischief! When they do come back, if you haven't had them neutered, have that done! It generally makes them want to stick close to home.

And, NO, it's never too early to find another pair if you're sure your two probably won't be returning. The fact that you asked that question says a lot. Cats are the most understanding and comforting creatures there are. I so hope your two do come home. I can understand the care and love you have for them and they for you. They're FAMILY!! Should you decide to get a couple more four footed friends, think about kittens or a cat, from a shelter. You'll be saving a life...or two. Good luck in your life!!