Ginger, How my surviving "sister" and I miss her Options

[mxmelba]

Hi. This past Friday night at 7:10 pm I received a call from a woman who had just hit my cat, Ginger. This was the worst phone call I have ever received. I didn't want to hear her when she asked crying "Are you Ginger's mother?" I screamed no and then she said she was so sorry. I threw the phone at my husband. I couldn't believe it. My heart literally broke that instant. Then my poor husband had to go get our beloved pet from the street. It was awful. I am still a wreck. I can't stop crying.

One of the saddest things is watching our other cat grieve. I have always called them sisters, even though they aren't litter mates. We got them at the same time. They are both young, not even 2 years old. I can't stand watching Mary Ann the surviving cat (her "sister") be so sad. I am torn at getting her another friend. The thought breaks my heart, but I want to do what ever it takes to make it easier on Mary Ann. Mary Ann was so close to Ginger that if I tried to take Ginger to the vet and not bring Mary Ann, Mary Ann would vommit she would get so upset, so I would just haul them both (in the same carrier!). I am at such a loss. I know there is no right answer to this. I am not really ready, but I also can't stand seeing my cat so sad. She just lays there and follows me with her eyes and is constantly grooming herself. My family (and husband) all say I should get another friend for her. Mary Ann has always been the mellow cat, where Ginger was the more active (and vocal) cat. I think a kitten would be too much, and I am unsure of getting a male. I am sorry I am rambling, but my heart is broken and I am unsure if or when I should get another companion.

Also, they were inside-outside cats with a cat door. I have been scared to let Mary Ann out because I do not want her to go looking for Ginger. She really wants to go out. Does anyone have any suggestions on when I can let her out again? Also, I am scared that she will get hit. I know there are no certaintys in life. I am just so extremely sad. She was so young. Any insights or suggestions on any of this would be greatly appreciated. (I know this is a touchy subject for cat owners with some people firmly believeing in indoor only and others not. I am not looking to discuss this subject, I am just looking for some advice for my situation.)

One last note, to all the people who have lost a pet, especially recently, my heart goes out to you. I know what you are going through and it is just plain awful. Thanks for listening.

[mxmelba]

Thank you for your replies. I spoke with my vet and a technician I know that works there and they agreed. They said not to try to find another friend for Mary Ann and not to let her outside until she (and I) stop greiving. I really wish there was something I can do for her. I was never as close to Mary Ann as I was to Ginger, because Mary Ann was my "husband's" cat and Ginger was mine. I picked Ginger and my husband choose Mary Ann. I can say that after going through all of this, I have gotten a lot closer to Mary Ann. She is much more of a loner than Ginger was and used to either sleep under the covers with us (drove me crazy, I thought it was too hot for her) or in her cat dome. Now that Ginger is gone, she has started sleeping on the covers of our bed, near where Ginger used to sleep, but not in the same place.

I am still devastated, but I know it will lessen in time. It just makes me sad to think Mary Ann home alone when we go to work. When I leave she just gives me a pitiful look and it breaks my heart. This is the first time in her life she has been alone and it saddens me so much.
Melissa