Should I Get a Cat?

My 25-year old cat died two months ago, and I miss him everyday. For the past several years I told myself when he died I would not get another pet. But, as soon as he died all I could think about was how much I wanted another cat.

I miss Bubba's quiet presence, his persistent love and affection, his obsession with the bird feeder that matched my own. Several times a day I think I see him out of the corner of my eye. I hear a cat meow when there is no kitty here. His absence is noticed as much as his presence was.

So I told myself I would wait until after Christmas before getting another cat. That would give me three months to grieve Bubba and give me space to make a more rational decision.

Still, the next time I saw my friend who works at the Animal Care Society, I told her that I would be looking to adopt an older cat sometime around the first of the year. I had adopted Bubba when he was 10 years old and he was the best cat ever. In my mature years I find I identify better with older animals.

Still, the question remains, should I get a cat?

Should I get a cat?

"I know you are not ready, but I have a cat for you."

My friend got a call from a lady who is desperately looking for a good home for her kitty. Her family is moving out of the country and cannot take the cat. If they take him to the local animal shelter, a place over-run with cats, he will be euthanized. The Animal Care Society does not take adult cats, because they do not get adopted. It turns out most people want to adopt kittens.

I am not ready, but this marmalade kitty is a seven year old neutered male who desperately needs a home. I am not ready, but I miss having a cat.

I am not ready, but I do not want to say no.

I took the lady's number and decided to sleep on it.

The morning offered no clarity. It is a decision with no right answer. What is best for the cat? What is best for our family? It is also not a purely rational decision. There must always be a strong emotional element to the decision to adopt, whether it is an animal or a child.

Here is a book that puts the question of "should I get a cat" into perspective. What happens to unwanted cats? This kitties tug at my heartstrings while at my house the space for the litter box sits empty, the cat food dish is empty, the basket by the window holds books instead of pillows and a warm, fuzzy cat body.

Weigh in on my decision! Should I adopt this orange cat even though I have not waited the 3 months I gave myself? Should I wait until the time is up, even though it means this kitty may not have a proper home? I thought I would get another black cat or maybe a tuxedo cat. Should I wait to adopt a black cat instead, knowing they have a harder time finding a home?

Should I adopt the marmalade cat?

These links may shed some light on the decision to get a cat.

Here are some books that might help me make my decision whether or not to adopt a cat.

Give me your opinion about this decision, or tell me about your cat!