I hate losing a pet more than anything. However; I would ask that your wife consider my tag line...it brings one great joy to be able to save a kitty (or two, or three, etc...) from the ‘Green Mile’. Even your local shelter may have some very handsome kitties that would LOVE a chance at life...
My wife takes the loss of a pet very hard. It’ll be months before she gets over losing her cat when it happens. This cat was there for her when she was going through a divorce and bankruptcy. Kitty provided comfort to her when she had some major surgery (before we were married).
It’ll be a while before there is another “Kitty” in the house.