Phred,
I, like the rest of PT, am typing this post with tears in my eyes.

Boots had a great home with you, you were his saviour - and he surely "put up" with all the furkids because of you.
Please, please don't beat yourself up - as someone posted earlier, cats are so full of pride, that I am sure Boots was trying to keep his chin up for you.

My thoughts, prayers and {{{{{{{{{{huge hugs}}}}}}}}}}}} are coming to you across the miles.

Love
Michelle