It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my 16 yr old cat, Kitten.

She battled with chronic renal failure for the last 3 yrs. I ended her life, before the symptoms of the disease became too difficult for her to bear, and for me to watch. It was a difficult decision.

The signs of another cycle of decompensation became apparent 2 days ago, in spite of dietary changes (which helped in the past), and other support. She died in my arms, at 2pm today.

She was an affectionate cat, and very tolerant of my increasing interest in dogs. Her last months were happy ones (I hope), sleeping in the most comfy spot (my legs, generally <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />, and a fresh raw diet, which she loved.

She was unlike her mother, who was given a good death after cancer inhibited her ability to breath. Her mom, Tequilla (yes, they were cats of my youth), was a fighter, and the absolute matriarch of the household. Kitten was a lover, and it was the one thing she did well.

Rest in peace, my two cats. You are both in my heart and memory.

I feel your sadness, Melissa. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I lost one of my cat three years ago, and I miss him to this day. I'm not ashamed to love both cats and dogs, and many folks that have never had a good cat would be amazed and the joy they bring to your life.

Thanks, Will, for you kind words.

Her ghost is here, comforting me, telling me it was the right thing to do. I miss her greatly already. The house is a little less full, a little empty, the vacancy apparent when I walk past her nesting spots...

Melissa,
I'm so sorry for your loss. But what a grand Ol' age, you have been so lucky for so many years. I too, am the cat and dog person and love the joys of both. I hope you find solace in your happy memories and let yourself smile in your reflections.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

You know i have two cats who both turn 9 this year. They never had any health problems but with every passing year i get more uneasy about them. I am a dog person but i do love my cats very much and every time i see a post like yours i get more tense because i know it is only a matter of time. Boy i wish there was a way to make it more easy but unfortunately there isn`t.

This poem isn`t from me, i forgot the persons name i hope i wont get in trouble for it but here it goes

A Place within my heart

What would i do without you,
my precious furry friend?
Part mischief but all blessing
and faithful to the end.

You look at me with eyes of love,
you never hold a grudge...
You think i`m far too wonderful
to criticize or judge.

It seems your greatest joy in life,
is being close to me..
I think god knew how comforting
your warm, soft fur would be.

I know you think your human,
but i`m glad it isn`t true...
though the world would be a niecer place
if folks were more like you.

A few short years is all we have.
But you my pet, will always have
A place witin my heart.