I'm very sorry about your loss!

Eveyone grieves in their own way, but I'd wait a few weeks and focus your attention on your current cat. You can make a better informed decision in a few weeks or a month.

My only specific advice is don't try to repalce your old guy, but rather look forward to a future with your cat or cats.

Losing a beloved pet is heartbreaking. I hope you have some good photos of Old Cat. Give yourself a bit of time to settle down, properly go through the grief, before getting another. The shelters are full of cats, so there will be a lucky one waiting for a good home when the time comes. So very, very sorry.

If you volunteer at a shelter, you would have the opportunity to check out the kitties. That might be helpful in choosing one.

I am also very sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved female dog at the beginning of December, so I can relate ... my other dog and I are trying to figure out how long we'll be able to live without a female canine companion ... I'm trying to give it some time, I would suggest you also give yourself some time. The right cat will come along eventually.

When I lost my old Bulldog, TONTO, about four years ago at her age 13, I was so distraught that I vowed never to have another dog. I lasted three years without before I got my Greyhound from the track in Tampa.

With hindsight, I waited much too long!

I agree with Cassandra......wait and try to bond more with the cat you have. You may discover the littler box issues are because she didn't like sharing her house with another cat. Not all cats like having another cat around......and by nature are loners. Just think, she could end up being your best bud!

Also, try a different brand litter in one of the boxes and see if that helps. My cat prefers Petco's bulk litter.

Speaking from experience, I agree with Cassandra. When you have more than one animal, there is one that will always be the alpha (may not be an aggressive display but one is always the first to get attention etc). Over time, the other cat may open up more to you and become a more affectionate, responsive cat. And maybe will start using the box appropriately. There are some cats that are very introverted and the slightest sign of "alpha" will make them passive. I hope your other cat manages through this change as well. Cats aren't the best with change.

I am sorry for your loss.

I'm very sorry for your loss. We wish we could keep them forever, don't we? I, too, agree with Cassandra, about waiting awhile and also on moving the litter box away from the wall if it is up against it. My cat was peeing on the wall as well and when I moved it out a couple of feet, it completely stopped. Not sure if he felt crowded or what. Also, I got a kitten when my other cat was 10 years old. She hated him so much. He was so aggravating, constantly jumping on her and chasing her. She just wanted to be left alone. I regretted getting that cat, but he is 14 now and she is long gone. She only lasted another couple of years, but they were not good years for her. I also agree that your current cat may change completely being the only resident cat. It would be interesting to wait and see. Good luck with whatever you decide.

When kitties are ill and if they have kidney disease or another thing, force feeding isn't the way to go. They are already toxic and more food in their blood that their organs can't handle makes them suffer. Only a vet and blood work can verify what's going on then. Maybe you can cut down a plastic tub so it has a tall side and use the litter that's unscented.

My sympathy for the loss of your pet. It's natural to want to fill the void.

But there's no meaningful timeframe for loss and replacement. You may be ready tomorrow, next month or never. Only you will know when the time is right.

I've pretty much got the other cat's eliminatory habits under control. No scatter rugs, or welcome mats (yes, I've watched her pee on one of those scratchy cocoa fiber welcome mats) No clothing left on the floor, ever, ever. Ever. Not a washcloth or a hand towel. Not even the scrap of flannel underneath the legs of the dryer that's been un-stacked from the washer that died. *sigh* Because...I realized she'd been adopted out and returned twice before she was two years old. (V-8 head slap) So, she's limited to kitchen, den, tv room with her numerous litter boxes scooped twice a day and cleaned weekly and rinsed with plain water, thank-you, and not something that smells like anything.

She killed a mouse, once. We suspect she fell over on it and it suffocated. 15 pounds of purry fury!

Sadly, when the fur-babies depart, it brings up the other losses that occurred during their time with us. I've lost my husband and Mom in the time Old Boy was with me.

So sorry for your loss. I hope when you do get a new cat that it is as sweet as your Old Boy was.

Go right out and get another pet. There are so many needy pets in the shelters. What a wonderful way to honor your beloved Old Boy! Pay it forward with another pet. I understand your pain. When I lost my first dog, I was devastated. However, I was only a month without a dog until I found my next companion at the local SPCA. Good luck.