Ugh... The Cat, he is dead...

oh crap, that sucks.

As for the replacement, I'm a big fan of getting one right away for the kiddo's.  There's no better medicine for sad kids than a new kitten.

Not going to comment on the wife's driving acumen, but how does a cat allow himself to get backed over? I'm thinking this was suicide. Have you called in CSI?

(Yes, I'm one who handles grief through humor. My condolences to you and the surviving members of your family.)

I think a lot depends on the ages of the kids, how old the cat was, and how everyone feels. One of the things pets teach us is how to manage grief and loss. Getting a new one right away might be the right idea, or it might send the message that we need to replace loved ones right away, and not tolerate the emotions aroused. 

Is a new cat there to replace the old cat, or to escape unpleasant emotions, or to have the joys associated with owning a cat (hairball on the carpet? Scratched upholstery? Chewed drapes?) 

When our last dog died in January, we waited 3-4 months to get new ones, until we felt that they were not just going to fill the dog-shaped hole in our lives, but would be loved on their own terms from the start.

Maybe the cat threw itself under the car to save a squirrel or chipmunk and should be given a full honor processional?

Sorry to hear about the cat.

I wouldn't bring up the topic of replacement for some time, and when you or one of your other family members bring it up, then discuss it.

EDIT:  Replacement was a poor choice of a word to use.

All good suggestions, except the guys who wants me to run over my wife,... 

Kids are 7 and 8 I think they are fine.  My daughter wanted to get a new kitty, or a puppy, or a mini-van.  My son cried that night because the cat used to sleep in his room first, then on my wife on the couch, then when she went to bed it would go outside all night and kill stuff.  He (My son) seems to be O.K. now.  My wife has always had a pet cat, and she feels super SUPER Guilty, and really misses it.  I'll wait for her to bring it up...

Thanks BT Coj'rs...

You seem real broken up over this.

Poor kitteh. Sorry you lost your pet.

I'm just super Macho and tough...

I did shed a few tears, but I think it was more that I felt so bad for how my wife must feel, and it's always hard to see your kids genuinely sad.  I did like the cat and feel bad that he got run over, but he was a pet, and sometimes pets die..

Will check this out with the family tonight...

x2, we got the sweetest cat in the world from petfinder. Only thing is, make sure you know how big the cat is before you say OK. We thought we were getting another little orange tabby, and the guy brings the cat over in a box. This giant head pops out, followed by the rest of an 18 pound cat.

His name is Alador, but we call him Lumpy

Sounds like YOU had a cat.  How soon until YOU want another one to start taking care of? 

I'm sorry that you and the family have to grieve the kitty's premature death. 

warning!  petfinder makes you want to rescue every sad animal out there!  it is dangerous (and a huge productivity killer at work...)

We adopted two children from Kazakhstan.  I had the same problem.  I I could drive a bus there, I would adopt a whole bus-load....

LOL I call my 16# cat lumpy too   Makes for lovely belly rubs for the cat tho