I had a cat while I was growing up that lived to be over 20. We finally had to put it down when I was about 22. It’s a loss you don’t really get over, because it had been there all of your young life.
But you learn that love is made to be spread around, not hoarded. Since then, I’ve had about seven cats - all long-lived. Get in touch with your local cat rescue. There are plenty of homeless kitties there.
Thanks, I would go to our local Humane Society tomorrow and rescue another kitten/cat. (Which is where our recently departed kitty was from.) But my wife is still in the “I never want another cat, it’s too sad when they pass away” stage. I suspect she may change in a month or two. I’m sure our cat who passed away would tell us to find her replacement, if she could. She was a really nice and loving animal.
What’s really bizarre is that although I know our cat has passed away, every time I come in the house or get up in the morning I am still automatically looking for her. Our one son who still lives with us says the same thing.