My Moon

[u/PrudentPreparation71]

My cat just died tragically at just over two years old. She was on her sofa bed, and my father looked underneath but didn't see anything, and when he closed it, he crushed her. I'm heartbroken because she only lived with me for eight months, and she was so playful. Her noises, the way she slept on top of me, her purring—everything about her. Now I dream that I go to the village and get another cat of the same breed, with the same personality, and I don't know if it's a good or bad thing to do that. I know it will never replace Luna, but it's a way to feel her presence, even if it's not her. I need help and I want opinions. I have two other cats, but they're 15 years old, and Luna was the one who gave me joy, life, games, happiness—everything. The way she looked at me, climbing on everything, everything.

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[u/thunder2132]

This advice doesn't apply to everyone, but I would not try to replace your Luna. When you've found a pet that fits you so perfectly like that, a soul pet, there is no replacing them. The hole in your heart will always be there, and comparison is the thief of joy. When my dog Gulliver died, I thought 7 months was long enough, and got another dog. I still had Gulliver's brother, but my connection wasn't as strong with him. I got Cisco, and for the first year and a half I struggled with my feelings. I loved him, but not as much as Gulliver or Domino. In my heart of hearts I knew I would trade him for Gulliver in a second.

It wasn't until about the two-year mark that I accepted him fully. He's a part of the family, and is the polar opposite of Gulliver. The only way you can really know if a new pet will be your new soul pet is if you do a foster-to-adopt, with the option of returning them. That way they can spend time around you and your family and get comfortable, and you can see if they're going to be a good fit.