This was a large growth that was likely cancerous in her bowels. Operable but not without great pain. I am focusing on the great times and pictures I have with her.
We lost our Athena 2 years ago now. I have fond memories of her and how it felt like her name got to her head (definitely felt she should be treated like the goddess of wisdom)
Im sorry for your loss OP... I just recently lost my siamese to renal disease. I shared 17 years with her as well. She was my friend and my sister and i will miss her a lot. We will all meet again at the End of time..
I'm so sorry. Most of my cats lived to be 20 but one of them passed very unexpectedly at 9 years due to cancer. You'll heal from this and the good memories will be with you forever.