The last photo - who else got to spend final moments with your beloved cat?

Last year we had to put down our 20+ year old cat. We rescued her from my sister who had to leave her at our dad’s house after her first divorce. The cat’s actual age was uncertain, but I found an old digital camera with pictures of her in 2004.

It was a tough decision to make as she appeared to be fine mentally, but her body was not working. Her joints had become loose and made it difficult for her to control her movements.

Our 17 year old kitty passed a few weeks ago too. She went peacefully but it’s still painful for us. You don’t care for something that long without it affecting you. We went to a cat cafe connected to the humane society last week and donated her food and treats and spent time with the kittens. It really helped.

I have a lot of pictures of my Chili on her last evening and last morning. Don't look very nice though (she had her tongue stick out due to cancer) so I really don't want to dig them up and post them. She was the purriest tiny little old cat baby though. <3

Not yet but I dread the day. My cat is my best friend I can’t imagine losing him. I’m sorry for your loss

I did and I'm still impacted by it a year and a half later. Can't move on.

I'm sorry for your loss, she's a beautiful cat ❤️

I had one pass away at 16 from liver failure. Held him in my arms at the vet while the final shot was done. That was years ago and I have tears in my eyes thinking about it now.

I’m so sorry, it’s so difficult to say goodbye. I’m glad you got spend some time together at the end. When we said goodbye to our kitty we were holding her and scratching her ears when she took her last breath.

Sorry for your loss.

Our 19 year old also had kidney failure, and we spent every minute with him as well. On his last night, the sunset was in every direction, a full 360° sunset. April 30th was his last day and I will always miss him. He was Muteki; he was invincible.

Muteki and the Pink Balloon https://youtu.be/qTWAALHf3us

T passed away at home from aggressive cancer just over seven years ago. It was clear it was her last day and I sat beside her until she finally passed that night.

I know this isn't exactly part of the exercise, but: Wasn't so fortunate with N three years later, who was clearly in pain after a rapid decline following a good 20+ year run. It was the height of the pandemic, so I couldn't stay with him, having to drop him off at the vet to end his pain. It was consoling to know that he was in good hands with people who truly cared during his final moments, but it was heart-wrenching all the same. The blow was softened by being able to mentally prepare for it while watching his slow decline over a year or two, in stark contrast to T's very sudden 3-week period of dismay.

Had to put mine down several weeks ago. She was also 18. I lost several other pets and four grandparents without shedding a tear, but this one broke me.

The vet appointment was at 6pm, so I could spend the last day with her. She acted more or less normal for her age, except not eating for three days and throwing up water.

I was rubbing her head until her heart stopped. I still miss her so much.

My 14 year old cat has ckd and my biggest fear is that I won't be there when she eventually passes. Since I've adopted her when she was 8, she hasn't been too friendly with other people or animals besides me, so I don't know who else would be able to give her comfort when she has to go (knowing of course, that's not usually cat behavior when they get close to death).

And I just want to make sure she feels loved until the very end.