Just said goodbye to cat after 21 years

[OneMoreForExtra]

She was my link to myself in my 20s. Before infertility, before wrong career paths, before depression. I used to imagine getting home to her and cuddling her when things were really bad, and it got me through. She used to sleep on my pillow, in a nest she made out of my hair, so I couldn't roll over all night. She cuddled like a teddy bear up against my shoulder, holding on tight. Face buried in my neck, snuffley purr that went on and on. I loved her. My little friend.

I had to say Goodnight to my cat just before my 30th birthday - she was 2 days off being 20 - I had, had her as a 10th birthday present so she knew the kid me, through the teen years and "growing up".. I hardly remembered a time without her.

Its rough :(

I'm sorry Iguess . That's really rough.

I'm so sorry you have lost your beloved cat. It sounds like you have been loved so much. Cats are very picky about who they love so you must be a special person to have been allowed to share her bed. for you.

Oh I'm so sorry. Big loss for your little friend.

Thank you guys. It was her bed Catz !

So sorry for your loss. It is clear you loved your kitty very much. Hugs..xx

I've never had a cat live that long, and although I pray my current two cats will live a longer life than my previous cats, I know that it will be even harder to say goodbye in the end. Even losing a cat after two years was bad enough!

So sorry for your loss, she sounds lovely and you were lucky to have each other.

So sorry OP. I also think about how much I can't wait to get home for a cuddle when I'm having a bad day so I can only imagine how your feeling.

What a lovely cat she sounds, I'm so sorry for your loss .

My favourite ever cat was a few months younger than me and came to us as a kitten. She was there throughout my childhood and was 19 when she died. I adored her and was devastated. It's so hard to lose them when they've been such a huge part of your life. It's over thirty years now since she died and I still think of her often.

So sorry op. They really are family aren't they. I have 4 but the 2 older ones were there before DS and he's never known home without them. I dread the day we have to make the decision.

I miss all my cats.

And my horses.

for you.

I'm very sorry.

Thank you everyone. It's nice that you understand. I'm terrified that I either left it too late or decided too early. Everyone says a week too early is better than a day too late, and she's not in pain, and had 21 years of love. But I miss her and I want my little friend back. Your understanding is helping me.

I had a 21 yr old who passed in her sleep after a short illness. She'd been to the vets just once in her life before those last few times & just slowly faded. I put her on my bed on top of a towel on a hot water bottle as she was so cold, and cuddles her one last time. Like you she was my last connection to the young independent me, pre marriage, kids & divorce. Losing your first pet is so hard, there are so many memories attached to them - ooh what a ramble- meant to say OP ((hugs)) from one golden oldie owner to another xx

So sorry for your loss OneMore. I lost my not-quite-19 year old boy in January and still miss him. They're very special wee beasties, these longtime companions, and I feel for you. Look after yourself.

Oh, I'm so sorry. It's awful. Sounds like she had a lovely life with you

Oh we had to to have our cat put down 3 weeks ago. It felt like such an awful decision. She was 18. FWIW all those things you describe in your post I am also dealing with so I do understand how raw you must be feeling. You must hold onto the fact that she clearly had a wonderful life with you.

Sorry so many of you have had to do this - I've seen some of your loving posts about your pussycats. I'm harder hit than I expected, given that I thought I was relatively prepared. I suppose the loss is the loss, whether they're on borrowed time or not.

I'm afraid that that's true. However old they are, they're still suddenly not there.

Take care.

I'm so sorry for your loss. As someone who lost a wonderful cat to illness just over 2 weeks ago, he was 2 months off his 6th birthday I feel for you. Life is so damn unfair.

I'm so sorry. What a loyal and affectionate friend. Take car. It's tough. X

Care, sorry