My sympathies,

I too had a couple of 18 year old 'justacats', one black and one white too, sadly missed, now I have two replacements, both black, one called 'Squeak' (never miaowed as a kitten), and her younger (next litter) half sister 'Bubble', who has now turned into one, about three times the size...

They love to travel with me in the car, and visit their mum, who has now learned not to chase them away seriously, but still chases them just for fun...

My friend was evil enough to know that having another little life dependent on you for food helps fight off the old 'black dog'...

I would never have just one cat anymore, they go crazy: with two they have company, and often sleep curled up together and groom each other daily.

Cats don't have owners, they tolerate slaves...