Snugs Is Gone- And I Am Struggling To Cope, What now? Options

[Sad parent]

My darling boy is gone. His cremation was today. I decided to observe the cremation. I was nervous, but I am glad I did this. It was a last chance to touch his soft fur. I am still struggling to move on. Everything I look at reminds me of him and then I feel so sad and empty. I am crying less now than I did a week ago, which is when my boy died. I have been reaching out for support, which is not easy for me. I even attended a pet loss grief support group.
How do I ever get another cat, when I will always compare that cat to my perfect Snugs, I can't imagine how I can be a good parent to another cat. I also don't want to go though this again.
My boy Snugs was beautiful, intelligent, and had a great personality.
Since he used to sleep with me, I am still having trouble sleeping. I know I took good care of Him, but there are times when I am filled with guilt, wishing I gave him more attention. I took him to his vet for regular exams, but I didn't know how important it was to have his blood pressure checked as he grew older. His regular vet never brought it up until it was too late. With vision problems and kidney problems, he bravely continued on a couple of more years, I wish I could go back in time and check his blood pressure before he had problems.

[Kellyt]

I'm so very sorry for your loss, Sad parent. I'm also sorry that you're sick. Try to take good care of yourself right now. I know it's hard. My dog Wolfie passed away on Monday, and it's been difficult for me to eat and sleep, but it's important to try.
I can relate to much of what you wrote. The grief can be crushing and it's hard to believe at times that life will have any meaning ever again, especially when everywhere you look, you're reminded of your baby, which is so painful right now because you're missing him so much. I've read in several places (probably at least one of them here) that when you love your companion as much as you love Snugs, then it only makes sense that the grieving will be just as intense. I can't say for sure, since I too am newly mourning, but I think/hope that eventually, the sadness will begin to fall away, little by little, and what will remain is the love that had always been there.

I hope you're able to rest up tonight, and that you feel at least a little better in the morning. And remember, we're all in this together.

Hugs,
Kelly