Does she know the legend of the Rainbow Bridge?

I suspect it's the not knowing that's getting to her the most, that and beating herself up whatever she thinks she should have done differently.

I wouldn't mention a new cat just yet, unless she shows interest. It's liable to just piss her off.:-) In time, maybe a "stray" can just be "found" or she'll be ready to go pick one out at the Humane Society.

I always tell myself they had a lot better life with me than they would have as strays, which all of my cats have been. Most have lived well into their late teens. It's never easy to lose one.

This little story might help at some point. I'd lost my big old teddy bear, a Siamese called Beau Geste, to ill health and was distraught. Couldn't stop crying. One day, I flung myself down on the floor and just started sobbing. Right then my oldest Siamese, an old dowager named Sasheen, who had been trying to make me feel better with purring and rubbings, ran in and began to bite my bare toes. Just enough of a nip to make me cry out. Then laugh as I realised she was trying to tell me "enough is enough. The rest of us are still here and love you!"

If you'd like me to call and do some pet-grief counselling, please PM me. I'd be happy to help.

kat