Penelope reminds me so much of my persian who sadly passed about 2 weeks after Cheddar last year. She was about 15 years old (rescue so not entirely sure), had kidney disease and I knew it was coming as she went downhill quite rapidly over the final month. She was long haired, grey and white and an absolute diva! She was another one who cost a fortune in vet bills over the years...
I've not got another cat yet, I'm not ready and the timing isn't right. But I love seeing your pictures of Penelope and hearing how she is doing. I think she has converted me, I could well be on the look out for an exotic rather than another long hair when I'm ready!