I just had to put down my 21-year old cat last week - it was very hard to do but he started deteriorating rapidly and it was painful to watch. I kept hoping he would just pass away in his sleep, but when it got to the point when he could not even walk without falling over, could not eat even the soft mashed up food I was giving him and a whole host of other problems, I could just not stand to see him suffer anymore. He was quite the curmudgeon the last few years but I loved him dearly. 21 years is a long time as a companion and I just don’t think getting another cat would work for me, though.
Sorry you had to see him suffer but I can relate. Before I put “Kitty” down she was having something going on which jolted her sufficient enough she’d jump and loose control of herself. Though overwith in seconds it was alarming to see. Only happened a few times but I knew she was on her way out.....but there does come the time when it’s apparent they’re suffering too much and you do what you have to do.
I’m sorry to here that. You can never replace a cat. You can just get another one and start all over getting to know it. Remember, cats train their humans, it’s not the other way around.
Me being a single man these days, my 24 yr old was kind of the love of my life as weird as that sounds. I could go on and on about her as I have 24 yrs worth of stories about her.
She was doing ok until one week she didn’t eat, My son and I took her to the vet and he found that she had liver cancer and a few other age related problems. I had to put her down. Yes a very tough day, but I have great memories of her and was very appreciative to the Lord for giving me such a great lifelong friend when I really needed one. Funny, she’s been gone at least 5yrs or so and it still brings a tear to talk about her. Sheesh!! I guess I’m just a softie at heart, for animals anyway.
If you get another cat it won’t replace your old one but you’ll have a new friend who would love a chance to be yours. There’s not enough cat lovers in the world to suit me.
Condolences on your loss.
Every day will get better and less of a missing part of your life. There will be time for a new friend.