My total sympathy, Grizzled Bear. I’m going through now what you just did. My old Big Kitty (there’s Big Kitty and Little Kitty, yes they have real names too) is on her last legs. She is staggering around now (she’s somewhere near 20 years old). Can’t make it to the kitty litter box anymore. I have to lift her up on the sofa, chair or bed, as she can’t make it on her own. Surprisingly her appetite is still good, which fools you into thinking maybe there’s still hope, but you know there really isn’t. It will just get worse.
I have gotten so far as to get the kitty carrier out to transport her to the vet to have her put away, I found a place that will put her down at a reasonable price, but I have yet to make that final call for an actual appointment to take her in. I’m having a terrible time with this. Just can’t quite bring myself to do it yet. I know I have to, but it’s just very hard to screw up the courage. Ugh.
So I completely understand what you just went through. I’m making myself miserable about this; it’s like the sword of Damocles hanging over my head everyday now. So depressing. I actually envy you that you made the necessary move and it is over. Would that I could do the same sooner than later. I love my old cat. She and I have gone through a lot together. I know this too shall pass, and she’ll be better off in kitty heaven. She’s been such a good cat. Sorry for the length of this, but you can see it’s on my mind, bigtime.
God bless you, too. I know how hard it is. I went through something similar in 1999 with my 19-year old cat, Larla. I had had her since she was a kitten (we kind of grew up together).
Prayers for your comfort and strength.