I'm so sad tonight

[StillMedusa]

My little fur girl is dying.
She is 3 weeks short of her 19th birthday which is pretty good for a cat. She has been getting frailer with failing kidneys, but two days ago was still tottering around demanding that I cook her coley to eat.
Then yesterday her little legs wobbled and she stumbled with each step. Today she can't remember how to eat or drink and can barely stand. I have booked the vet to come here tomorrow afternoon to put her to sleep but tbh I'm not sure she will be here then. She is tired but peaceful, and has tucked herself away in a dark corner of the kitchen.

I shall sleep on the kitchen floor tonight.(and I'm not going to work tomorrow...)

She has been here 19 years, my kids can't remember life before she was here. She has purred and slapped us through the years, and I love her dearly.

Why are their lives so short? It's so unfair. She has had a good life, filled with mousing , stealing food off our plates, getting stoned on cat nip in the garden.

But my heart is breaking.

I can't help but my heart breaks for you. You sound like you've loved her and given her the best of lives and that's all any of us could wish for. I'm glad your little friend has had you.

So sorry about your dear cat.19 is a very good age,you have given her love and looked after her well for all those years.Our dear cat went the same way a few years ago,we had her pts in the end.It's heartbreaking when they go,especially after so many years,but take comfort in the knowledge you gave her a wonderful life.Thinking of you.

• heartbreaking

So sorry OP
I lost my border last year, she was 15. We talk about her all the time.

That is so sad, but maybe no consolation, you are not alone. They are so god damned gorgeous. Keeping her company on the kitchen floor, after a good life, best wishes.

And I was with her when she was PTS, squeezed and kissed her face telling her that I loved her while she fell asleep in my arms. It's the last thing you can do for them.

Hand hold...
My gorgeous boy died in very similar circumstances (kidney failure and old age). Be proud she had a happy long life enjoying you, her home and was loved and cared for. She is one of lucky ones because of you.

We lost our 16 year old cat last March - here hand holding - she’ll know you are close

Hand hold....I've been through it five times and it never gets easier. She'll know you are near and it sounds like she's had the best life a pussycat can have. Very unmumsnetty hugs all round xx

As someone who has had, and has, elderly cats, my heart goes out to you. May her passing be gentle and pain free.
& a couple of

I'm so sorry OP. She'll know how much you love her.

I’m so so sorry, this made me sob my heart out tonight and will be holding my two elderly girls a little tighter tonight. Thinking of you and your almost 19 year old amazing girl ❤️

Hope tonight is as peaceful as possible for you and your darling cat xx

I'm so glad that you've finally decided to do the right thing for your little cat

Drama it's been a hard time. She's been failing for months but still had quality of life until the last week... hence me not making the call.. she was still asking for fish until yesterday. Then yesterday it changed. I have not tried to hang on too long but genuinely didn't feel it was the time until yesterday when she showed us her time was up.
She's now in her bed, two feet away and curled up. I'm about to curl up next to her in case she needs anything tonight.
Maybe I should have made that call 2 weeks ago, but I couldn't. My eldest came home yesterday and has had the chance to cuddle her and say goodbye, and I think Portia might have been waiting for that as she loved DD1.

Oh OP, I wasn't having a go, sorry if it came across that way. Reading it back it probably did, sorry

I know how hard it is. And I know they can hang on. Thirty years ago, according to my mum, my childhood cat held on until I came home from university for the weekend & that night died peacefully in her sleep. She was also 19, the best cat ever. We adored each other.

Wishing you strength for tomorrow x

My daughter and I have made a sofa den tonight as she can't get comfy due to a worm infestation . Our boy has just jumped up and I am giving him extra love and strokes tonight in honour of your puss

My thought are with you and your lovely cat tonight. It sounds like she's had a wonderful long life with you all, what a lucky girl

Such a sad time 💐 it sounds like you have given her a beautiful life, and will right to the last.

Lost one at 24 and one at 23 and still miss them both. Life will never be the same.

Sleep well, Portia.

I’m so sorry. What a happy life she’s had.

That made me well up. I’m so sorry op. We have 2 cats 2 dogs. The first cat we got I always used to laugh and joke and say that’s she imortal she is ten now and it makes me feel sick thinking about losing her

My thoughts are with you and Portia

I'm sobbing here, what a lovely life she's had

Thoughts are with you.

I've been where you are, and it is very hard, even when you know that you are definitely reaching the right decision.

Thinking of you. I'm so sorry.