At the time I had to put my terminally ill seven-year-old cat down, I recall my husband sobbing loudly in the vet’s office. I was somewhat surprised as he never showed emotion like that at home, and I wondered briefly if he would cry like that when I passed.

The death of a pet is an emotional time for everyone, including the one that may be left behind in the home. There are many documented cases of animals going into mourning at the loss of a fellow furry being.

Having never been without a cat my whole life, I have had to deal with many losses over time. It always hurts, it never gets any easier, but I would not live without them.

Animals touch our hearts in special ways. With their unconditional love, there is a safety in loving them that one does not always find between humans. At their loss, deep grief and depression can set in.

I recommend bringing a kitten or two into the home when you feel the time is right. If there is another pet in the home that is showing signs of distress from missing a companion, now would be that time.

It is better to adopt in pairs, especially if there are no other pets in the house. Two kittens entertain each other, are fun to watch, and actually can be easier to introduce to resident animals as they interact with each other rather than approaching the older pets. In the words of my cousin, “They are no more work than one.” I actually think they are less work and significantly less destructive to their new environment.

The kittens I foster are so irresistible, that two of my semi-feral adult cats have become official greeters, enjoying new arrivals. I keep them separated with the little ones in a large cage but in the middle of all the action, and it isn’t long before small paws and big ones are reaching out to each other through the bars.

When the initial “getting to know you” period is over (about a week), I let the kittens out for some supervised play several times a day. Even Maggie, my Scottie, joins in offering her toys in friendship.

It is so funny to watch her trying to teach the kittens to fetch, herself dashing after a thrown toy a few times, and then on the next toss, pausing to look at the kittens as if to say, “Go get it the way I showed you!” I observed one kitten actually playing with a particular toy after Maggie left the room, so I guess she’s a good teacher.

Everyone’s experience with death is different, but for me filling the void with new life can be very healing and a wonderful way to honor the pet you lost. If you are not sure you are ready to make a new lifelong commitment, consider fostering a single or a litter to see how the household reacts. You may be pleasantly surprised and find a new fuzzy love in the meantime.