Had to put my 20 year old cat Alex (Alexis Marie) down on Monday, it was the worst decision I've ever had to make. About 3 years ago she started to loose alot of weight but that was it. Still jumping on the bed and everything (just recently bought her stairs for Xmas). But last weekend I noticed she wouldn't use them to get off the bed, then I realized she was loosing her vision. So I helped her out for a few days and she just kept drinking alot of water, she was very weak and slowing down very fast. It's so heartbreaking to see them that way. Here I was complaining about turning 40 and I guess we just forget that our pets are getting older right along with us. Finally this past weekend I decided to do it on Monday, I said my goodbyes all weekend long, told her I loved her so much and soon she will be getting her wings. She gave me 20 years of her life. The least I could do is step up to the plate and be the mommy that she expected of me and make the decision that she could not make herself. I miss her so much! I cry non-stop. It hurts so bad. Got her ashes back on Tues. and made a little shrine with pictures and a lock of her hair and her blankie that way my brain can catch up to whats going on. Never realized how much of her was part of my life until 24 hours went by and I noticed how much a have to "adjust" not do the little things anymore. But reading the stories has helped me, lots of sorrow out there because of our BIG pet parent hearts! So sorry.

Love you allie b&%^li, till we meet again!

I know what you're going through. Today, I had my cat Peachfuzz put down. Fuzz was three weeks short of 21. She had been with me through marriage, divorce, illness and the loss of her "sister", Lessa (also at 20) in 2000.
She was fine until about 3 weeks ago, jumping around like a kitten, demanding attention, etc. It all happens so fast. For the last 3 weeks, I gave her almost undivided attention, hoping to give her everything she gave to me over the years. Still, bringing her to the vet today was so hard. I've been crying most of the day and, am afraid to sleep, though I'm emotionally spent.
I have already "heard" her voice a few times and the sound of her claws on the hardwood floors.
I try to tell myself (and you should, too) that she wouldn't have hung around so long unless she felt loved and cared for. 20 years is a long time and, obviously, you were doing something right or, Alex wouldn't have stayed with you this long.
I've now had 3 cats that lived over 20 years. When I'm not crying, I tell myself I must be a pretty good cat-dad.

Eddie

Thank you eddie for your story, I'm sorry for your loss of Peachfuzz. 3 cats of 20+ years is amazing. and yes you are a good cat-dad. Bedtime for me are pretty tough since you get used to having them there every night for 20 yrs and suddenly they're not there. I live alone and can't believe how quiet my house is then I realized I was used to hearing the sound of my own voice. I knew I talked to Alex alot but I guess I really talked to her ALOT! I have to make sure I keep my sneakers in the closet because out of the corner of my eyes I think its her (she was an all white kitty-very beautiful). I miss her so, and can't believe she's not here. Couldn't believe that my heart could break into that many pieces. I have a 5 yr old black Chih. Mix dog and it hurts that I'm not able to give her the love she needs from me now. She knows somethings different. She stands at the bottom of the stairs and looks up to wait for the "kittycat" to come down, but I know Miss Daisy will help me get through this, started taking her for walks again. baby steps I guess. I try not to think of the last days, and think of where she is, playing, pouncing on grasshoppers, sunbathing . . . all the things she used to do when she was young, maybe even playing with your kitty(s).
Thanks again & Take Care,
Annette