but think of her struggle and let go. Pick up a shelter kitten for the holidays.

So sorry. We've been there many times with our dogs. It's never easy. A friend of ours used to say that they make a hole in your heart to make room for the next one. I've found that to be true. Hang in there.

Celebrate the many years of love, comfort, and affection she brought into your life.

but it still hurts to lose such a companion.
A lot of days, I swear they're better than a lot of humans to be around.

When I lost my best friend, my cat, Arlo, who shared his love with me for 12 years, I know people thought they were helping, but sometimes there are no words. I still have six other rescue cats with me, but it's like losing a child, you don't just go out and get another one ~ as some suggest. Arlo was my oldest of the 7 rescues living with me and we all mourned for him for weeks and after 9 full months, I feel as lonely as the day he left my side. Yes, I remember all the wonderful years we shared, but that does nothing to dull the pain of knowing I'll never have his sweet kisses and comfort ~ EVER again.

>^..^<

We lost two this year, both to old age. There is consolation in knowing she was safe and well cared for all her life, and eased into death as gently as possible. I think our love of companion animals is one of the noblest things about us.

She will never leave you.

It sounds like she is in pain. Poor little girl.

I lost a cat this year to lymphoma. Lost one last year to bowel cancer.
Lost one in 2012 to kidney failure. The last two had been with me 15 and 12 years, respectively. They traveled cross-country with me on a move.

I understand your pain.
2016 has been a hard year.

It hurts, but if she's that old, has had some serious crisis this year and can't stand up anymore, it's probably time.
I'm watching our current old girl Princess; since we don't know how old she actually is, she could be anywhere from 13 - 17, and she's getting more grumpy, losing her balance a bit more, and starting to fade. It will be her time within the next couple years. December has always been the cruelest month for cats IME, both my fur-baby boys passed in December.

She knows you love her and are doing the best for her, no matter what.



Haele

Make it count

Because we are responsible for deciding to keep them going vs ending it. And we can't ask them for their opinions.

are helpless to prevent what you know is coming. I have gone through this & we too have a cat we rescued when a kitton that is now 18 & has a thyroid condition. I know that her time will be coming so we are just making sure we spend as much time holding her & being with her as we can. When I see there is pain that is when I will have to do what you are.

Please know we are crying with you. You can think about all those years you gave her a good life & the memories you & she have.

Having been through this with two, I can tell you that they benefit from you being there when they pass.

The sadness you feel is a testament to the love you gave.

I'm with you in spirit.

I've done this more times than I care to remember. It's always horrible, but it's always the last good thing you can do for your friend.

I'd like to slightly modify a suggestion from above- don't adopt a shelter kitten- adopt an older shelter cat. They are always overlooked, and about 15 years ago, I adopted a scrawny little 13 year old that looked like death. I didn't think he had more than a few weeks in him, but he lasted 5 years, and he was the happiest little thing I ever saw. If you're going to lose an old friend, thing about giving another older cat a chance at a few good happy years. It won't ease the loss, but it will make at least one of you very happy.

For one thing, I'm too old to chase a kitten around the house. And I'm afraid of tripping over such a small creature.

I brought home a 10 year old large tom and he's such a gentleman that I have to assume his prior (deceased) owner put a lot of time and effort into him for which I'm now reaping the benefit.

Got some good stories.

Maybe that's what life is about, the stories...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/112721453

Jack, and then Annabelle in the last couple years, and this winter it's Oliver. Ups and downs, we thought we'd lose him in September, then November. Each time he bounces back, though, we know the next is coming soon and will probably be the last.

Be glad for your friend that you gave her such a nice life. You know Stephen Hawking says the past isn't really past. That means she's always living a good life, with you.

The more it hurts just means more love was there

There have been a couple of times. over our many years of cats, when we have said, "Time to make that cal in the morning," only to have the kitty in question beat us to it and slip away during the night. I have been grateful for those times.

When we have actually had to take the action, I choose to look at it as "liberating the spirit" from a body that is no longer able to support a happy life.

One of our vets once told me that the very best way to honor a departed cat was to give a loving home to another, and I always do that, often within days. It sort of seems like welcoming a new cat gives the love I felt for the departed one a place to attach - love doesn't like to be just floating around with no place to go.

I never call a new cat a replacement, because, of course, they cannot be. I call them successors.

I'm so very sorry for your immense losses. My sincere condolences from PDX.

but she was obviously starting to fail, turning into the equivalent of a nursing home patient, a frail old lady. She went into that crouch at night and I took her in the next day. The vets know what they're doing and her death was an easy one.

It's hard to watch them get old and even harder to let go. Sometimes I think it's harder to lose a 4 legged family member than it is to lose a 2 legged one, the fur kids being much better at unconditional affection.

You will get through this and at some point, some other kitty will wrap a tail around your heart.

Fur Babies......

This is awful, I know. Good kitty.

Our hearts break, of course. Letting go of our "little ones" is one of the hardest things to endure in life.

Think of the many sweet times you had with her. She's tucked inside your spirit, and you'll carry her with you always.

This is one of the bravest and saddest things we do for them but it is so hard. I really am sorry -

Mine crossed the bridge just before Thanksgiving. She was 16.5 and I had her since she was 6 weeks. It was very hard.

So...I grieve for you. It's so hard.

...earlier this year. Stage 4 lymphoma...day 3 of no eating or drinking or barely moving. Doing well up to that point (just slowing down)

The veterinarian told me - "This is an act of love...letting her go before she starts to suffer is your final act of love for her. You're doing the right thing!"

It's gut wrenching right now I know, but you are doing the most loving thing you can!

...by your vet.

I've went thru two cats and it never gets any easier. i still dream of them frequently.

A pet's owner just knows, instinctively, when it's time to let them go. It's your last duty to your beloved pet. Stay strong for her and remember the good times.

hers. She is lucky to have had this love of yours all these years, know that she knows that, Garion.

Wishing you both peace...

I still miss the four-legged companions I have lost, and cherish the ones I still have.

I went through the same thing with my 17 year old cat a couple of years ago. Sending good thoughts to you..

I wish I had more comforting words than that.

I understand the pain and how hard it is.

Wishing you peace in knowing you gave her a wonderful, long life.

There comes a point where you choose to hurt yourself letting them go rather than see them suffer any longer. It's the ultimate act of Love. And...she'll know on some level.

2016 has been a crappy year it seems for many people.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your little brother -- and your health and your job.

With the terrorists (economic and otherwise) running the US now, 2017 doesn't promise to be better - different set of struggles.

But no matter what happens, your furry babykin will always live in your heart with you.

We had very similar choices with our sweetheart a few months ago. For two years we had to carry her to the litter box when she gave signs of cramping. That hyper thyroidism really does a number on our old friends.

Take comfort knowing you are doing the right thing for her.

I know there is a break point with animals, but you might try this.

Get a bottle of all natural herbal ingredients called Natural Pet "Muscle Joint & Arthritis." The dog & cat bottled formulas are the same, so buy either one available. I give my cat about .75 ML, 3 times a day for neurological pain in his tail. It has no taste so can be used directly on food. I would only use about .25 orally from a dropper to the mouth, 3x a day, to start for a few days, then go to the food mentioned below. Stick dropper in side of mouth at back of lips.

I buy the cat Temptations treats (chicken flavored), and just put a drop on each hard cube of about 15-20 treats 3 times a day. The treats are loaded in vitamins and irresistible to cats. My cat is younger, but hopefully this will help get your older cat walking again.

Keep his water up by dropper if necessary. My cat has been on it for about 5 years, completely safe.

We've been through that so many times, and it never gets easier. This tiny little creature has given you so much love and comfort and you've given her a wonderful life. That makes it so painful.

Grieve hard, and consider a rescue kitty in the new year...

My condolences.

nt

I rescued a cat a couple of months ago and adopted her. Then three weeks ago my mother died. Then the country confirmed the election of an idiotic orange demagogue. What to do?

Well, my rescue puss is the sweetest and most affectionate. My mother met her before she died and she just adored her. If your puss has purred its last, don't mourn. Go rescue another one from the shelter and start it all over again.

And we, as Democrats, have to keep going. Donnie Dump is pathetic. You know what this cheeto wants to do and where his weaknesses are. Make him stop.

my brother has basil's brother & now he is pining, he needs some too.

i released why our pets don't last long. so we can have MORE pets.

and it's just worse than words can say. May you find solace in your memories.

Hugs to to and peace to your dear kitty.

My oldest is 19; the youngest just 10.

Crying with you, dear friend.

If anything she is even weaker than yesterday. pooped on herself so yeah its pretty obvious that its time.

a few more hours till the vet so i have some time left for some last hugs and kisses 8-(

those furry family members who've been with you for so much of your life. Please remember that you've given her a long, happy life, filled with kindness and love, and that freeing her from suffering is a final kindness.

I don't know if you believe that our pets' spirits. and ours, live on. But I've known a lot of people who do, some of whom have had visits from their pets. And if you do share that belief, there's great comfort in viewing this as only a temporary separation.

And whatever your beliefs, all the love you shared with your cat, all the happiness you brought each other, has been a treasure, for both of you.

Lost both my 17-year old sister cats a while back. Still miss them.
Take care!

my last cat i lost was 10, she was diagnosed with cancer and gone days later.

This time at least I've known this was a possibility for about a year. 2 months ago i thought she was done so this extra time has been a blessing.

Its just so tough. 17 years with unconditional love. having to say goodbye.

I do have two other kitties helping me through this. I get the impression that they have some kind of understanding with whats going on with their older sister. I think they actually knew this was coming before i did.

I keep thinking 'maybe with some new meds or fluids or something i can get her through this once again' but i dont think so, not this time. And even if she had some more time her quality of life isnt what it was.

So i know its best i let her go so she is no longer in a body that doesnt work. Its logical. It makes sense.

It just sucks so damn much.

She is hanging in there, sleeps mostly. Deaf so she meows very loudly. Often at 3 AM when she requires a teaspoon or tow of food. Her name is Trouble and boy is she ever! But she will leave a terrible void when she goes. Hugs to you, I know how hard it can be.

reassurance when your precious little one goes.

those of us who have lost little ones are sending them to greet yours at the rainbow bridge. she will be welcomed with love.

Please keep in mind that your cat was truly one of the lucky ones. She has you to love her, see to her needs, provide vet care when needed, and stay with her until the end. She was never abandoned or turned in to a shelter simply because she got old or sick.

Pets aren't like family, they are family. Be thankful that, unlike a family member, you can keep them from having to suffer anymore. I had to put my cat, 19+, down last summer. It was very hard to have him put down, but the right thing to do. I had him cremated and a local artist made me a cermanic likeness from a picture I had of him with a cavity for his cremains.

I second getting an older cat from a shelter.

Your cat will be in a better place, pain-free and romping with the kittens.

We had inherited from our late grandmother a 19 year old cat who had been a slashing, angry terror most of her life. The cat's health was failing in many ways; she'd gone from the size of an Easter ham to skin and bones. My aunt paid about $150 to fix an abscessed tooth that swelled up the side of her face. When she came back from that, she was the most affectionate, purr-y, cuddly animal. We got a wonderful week and a half with her before her kidneys failed, but we were so glad she had a comfortable end to her days and got to say goodbye in peace.

Clearly you did something very right to have her last this long. Kudos!

Please adopt another kitty to take her place if you can, and when you are ready. So many need us.

to watch our beloved companions as they cross to the summerland. I know how hard this is, and please know that your du family is here for you.

Lady Bast, please take Your little one gently home, and give peace and comfort to her human who loves her so.

I know what it's like. I'm a grown man and the last time I outright cried is when my pet died.

It's so painful to lose our beloved animals. She has been blessed to be with you, and you have been blessed to have her. Praying for either a dramatic turnaround, or, if it's not to be, then a peaceful passing.

Condolences on the loss of your little brother. So much pain in this awful year.

I ask because every time I lose a beloved old cat, soon afterward another cat--either a kitten or a young adult, shows up demanding to be added to my menagerie. I like to think my lost cats send me a new friend to comfort me.

Oddly enough, the exact thing always happens to one of my sisters, to the point that a stray kitten showed up on her front porch the day after she lost one cat to old age, and some years later, after she'd lost another old cat, her son and his wife found a stray kitten sitting by their car when they left work one evening. They gave the kitten to my sister, of course.

In every case, when it's a stray, we try to find out if the new cat/kitten is someone's lost pet, but they never do seem to belong to anyone.

But you have to make the decision to relieve their pain, even though it increases ours.

HUGS!

I am so very sorry. But I revel in the thought that one made it to 17 because of good care and love. Thank you for giving her that.

It is so hard to lose a family member. As many have said up post, I've also faced this numerous times. There comes a time when it is time to let them be at peace. Hard as hell to get up and move to the car, to the vet's office, etc. But I've yet to regret allowing one that I knew was ready to go leave peacefully. Your strength is your final gift to her.

Bawling here with you because I know the hurt. I sincerely wish you peace and comfort. Again, so very sorry.

letting her brother and sister kitty spend some time saying goodbye.

at this point kitty falls over any time she tries to stand up. she is getting weaker and weaker.

i know its the right thing. i cant let her keep living like this.

just sucks

for having your buddy for 17 years. I had one live till 18 years of age. I cried also....many hugs....

I had to have my oldest and my best friend, Arlo, 'put to sleep' March 7, 2016 at 8:40 a.m. He shared his unconditional love with me for 12 wonderful years. I found him in a box on the side of the road with this brother, Woody, when they were probably about 8 weeks old. His brother died when he was only 4 and I don't think Arlo ever really got over losing him. We were so close, and shared such a deep bond, I felt my husband shoveled my heart and soul into his grave as I sat and wept. I've cried for him every single day since and have yet to be able to get out his pictures. I wish you peace in the coming days, weeks and months ~ it's such a lonely place to be. I'm weeping now as I know where your heart is right now and know you will be there to hold her little body as she takes her last breath ~ I couldn't leave the room because I knew he felt my heart beat against his for the final time. There will always be a huge hole in my heart where he lived for so long.

If only their lifespan was as long as ours.

gonna miss you so much.

8-(

we are grieving with you.

rest gently, sweet darling. you are loved and missed so much.

I feel your pain. I let my big dog go in August. I'm still a wreck.

It's never easy. Even when it's expected. Please try and take comfort in the fact that you helped her live a long, comfortable, life.

May you have a good memory of her every time your heart breaks.

I'm so sorry.

Very painful to lose a pet. They give so much and ask for so little in return.

we lost our Vanessa about 9 months ago -- very much the same. I think she was 18. Our kitten Persephone is about 5 months now, and a true joy.

I love cats I feel for you.

We are here for support

I was truly hoping I would read this morning that you somehow had a miracle and she wouldn't have to go. Take care of yourself and allow yourself to take all the grieving time you need.

Once again hugs

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3zKcaWHSlR1V0dCZkxTX054ZkE/view?usp=sharing

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6jo1-Q7by3gj9TctvuELiFYA5zMBSF8ROfMh7JuH4dLu4ffsdxOcFZMqdhNQ5qwydzj9oJQ-uGYFLutWcxnZ2ShiLIxYP9kRmJ_XHpsKEIORdv4ipZvpB3rya6Lx-utZQGzg6a2A=w640-h480-p-k-rw

Thank you for sharing such a good portion of your life with her. Giving her a home. A family.

And thanks to your kitty for giving so much to you. RIP.