@flexghost After losing Yuri, my grey cat in 2024, I've started going to a shelter and spending my Saturdays afternoons with cats that probably will never be adopted. Last year, adopted 2 adult cats; a 2 year old black cat (adopted and returned twice) and an orange cat who was at shelters for 6 years. I have 3 cats now, and to see them looking happily at the birds is the best feeling.
All my cats stay in my heart, even if they already departed. I guess we carry them on until we are gone too.