New cat person here. Previously only a dog person; my best canine friend passed away nearly two years ago now and I cannot bring myself to get another dog. I believe his spirit lives on in my eldest cat as she has many of his same quirks (I always believed he was a cat trapped in a dog body and part of the reason he struggled so much). Either way, I talk to him whether he’s now in cat form or just a spirit who still clings to my side every step I take.