Poor Morticia... it's so sad to lose a little furry one. I'm glad you found her, though... better than the uncertainty.

When we lost our Selina last year from a long illness, my tender-hearted husband was heartbroken. He hand-built a little wooden coffin for her, and we actually kept her "in state" for a few hours in the living room, surrounded by candles and heaped with fresh roses. Then we buried her in the yard next to her favorite rose bush. We made a point of letting the other two cats sniff at her before we buried her, so that they would understand that she was dead. I think that helps a little.

Is your surviving kitty big? Small? Feisty? Easy-going? Was she ever an only cat? These things make a difference on what kind of fuzzy friend you adopt. Kittens are a blast, but they are high-energy and can be very demanding of their new mommy's time. An adult cat is usually steadier and calmer and may not be as upsetting to a sedate older cat. I've always adopted one-to-two-year-olds from the shelter (or who appeared, unplanned, in my life) and have had pretty good luck with the mix.

On the male-vs-female issue: I have to admit to a fondness to large neutered male adult cats with enormous paws and immense dignity. And our male cat always got along with both of the ladies, whereas the two ladies fought like cats and, well, cats. But in the end, you'll have to look at the prospective adoptee's personality and just make a guess.

Or throw it all in the hands of the Divine to just send you the right feline.