I was with her every minute of her last day. She made it to 18 years and her kidneys failed. We are so so sad.
I know that cats often search for a secluded place to die. But I believe / hope it was comforting to have her humans at her side.
Who else has this special experience of being with your cat in the final moments?
T passed away at home from aggressive cancer just over seven years ago. It was clear it was her last day and I sat beside her until she finally passed that night.
I know this isn't exactly part of the exercise, but: Wasn't so fortunate with N three years later, who was clearly in pain after a rapid decline following a good 20+ year run. It was the height of the pandemic, so I couldn't stay with him, having to drop him off at the vet to end his pain. It was consoling to know that he was in good hands with people who truly cared during his final moments, but it was heart-wrenching all the same. The blow was softened by being able to mentally prepare for it while watching his slow decline over a year or two, in stark contrast to T's very sudden 3-week period of dismay.