Our old family Siamese made it to 19 1/2. We hoped he would go in his sleep, pass on naturally. But he just kept hanging on and deteriorating...by the time we took him to the vet, he was so out of it on his own, he just stood looking at the back of the carrier all the way there, not moving at all when the carrier door was opened. He just got slower and thinner and stiffer...mom had taken him to the vet to be PTS a month before, but just couldn't do it, she was crying. I went with her the second time...it was time...

And a stray I had rescued - turned out he was dumped because he had some kidney failure. He flourished under good home and vet care for a few weeks - then the disease caught up with him. I am glad he had my bed to sleep on...and cuddles and catnip...but he got in so much pain I couldn't touch him. Dear ginger Dave...he was PTS at the vet's - and I cried for days...I was in shock for two of them...

I love my two healthy babies now...and I hope they go in their sleep when it is time. But I may have to make the awful decision too one day.

Rest in peace, all sweet furry and feathered babies.