At 18 and a half he's been vigorous for most of that time. Deaf in the past 6 months, and on a renal diet, but still lively and loving.
Three weeks ago he got a bit wobbly when cornering, and it got worse and worse. He was still eating and drinking though, vocal and affectionate.
Today his back legs kept collapsing and I saw when he wee'd that he had no control, was just waiting for it to fall out. He stopped miaowing two days ago, and wouldn't eat or drink, just dozed.
It being ANZAC day, and a public holiday, I counted myself fortunate to be near a 24-hour regional vet. I took him along and the lovely vet said he couldn't be repaired, as I expected.
Echtcat is older than DD, so I phoned her to say goodbye to him and went to pick her up, howling all the way. What got to me was when the vet was examining him, echtcat kept turning to nuzzle me.
DD and I took turns to cuddle him and I held him while he was put to sleep. I felt as if I betrayed him because he purred and rubbed his head against me. 18 years - longer than I've been married.
No sad for cats emoticon, so :( will have to do.