When To Get a New Cat After One Passes Away
There’s no universal answer about when to introduce a new friend to the household after one cat dies, but two to four months—ideally longer—is a good starting point to give other cats time to adapt, says Blass. “I don’t think rushing into it is a good idea,” she says. “Cats need time to adjust to something new or different. It’ll be a more successful acquisition if the cat has already gotten through some of the challenges of losing another pet.” Watch out for shifts in dynamics if you have multiple cats at home, as the loss of one beloved pet can upset the relationships among the group. For example, if the deceased cat was a leader in your home, creating harmony within your group of pets, the other cats may start to act up or chase each other. Conversely, if the previous cat was a bit of a bully, the surviving cat or cats may actually be more comfortable and calm. All of this should be taken into account when considering whether and when to bring a new cat into the mix. “It’s a delicate decision,” says Blass. But if you do go forward with getting another cat, be sure to do a gradual introduction: Keep them in separate rooms at first, she explains, so they can get used to each others’ scent. “I caution people to take their time and create that positive association without visuals at first,” Blass says. (Read more about how to introduce cats, according to a vet.) It’s natural to have complicated or conflicting emotions when you bring a new kitty into the home. The loved one you lost “will always have a special place in our heart, and another will create new space in your heart,” says Aslanian. “They aren’t there to replace each other.” You also need to heal after losing a furry best friend, and “everyone grieves differently,” she says. “There is no timeline that’s correct or wrong. When we love, we grieve deeply when it’s lost.” To help both you and any existing grieving pet cope with the loss, Blass says simply spending quality time with your pet can make a big difference. Try: Sitting quietly with your cat Brushing them Snuggling Playing with a new toy Giving them some extra attention in another way they enjoy “It’s as much for you as it is for them,” Aslanian says. “You need to go through a process so that you can move forward, too, and you can include your cat in that.” (Find more ideas about how to mourn and honor a pet after a death.) You may want to consider speaking with a mental health professional, such as a therapist (bonus points if they are also a cat lover), to help you process the loss or joining a pet loss emotional support group, says Aslanian. “You can also think about how you can continue to love your old cat symbolically,” she adds, “by volunteering at a local shelter, making a donation in their name, or going to places they loved and writing them a letter.” Remember, too, that not all cats are destined to get along, grief or no grief. A senior cat who’s used to the company of adult cats might react poorly to a new kitten, for example. Find out if your household is ready for another cat.,Jump to section When to Get a New Cat After One Dies Can Cats Sense the Death of Another Cat? Do Cats Miss Other Cats? Cat Grief Symptoms Other Tips for When One of a Bonded Pair Dies









