Katydid,
I am also a Calvinist! I am guilty about getting succour from the site we're on! I feel I should be wearing a hair shirt becuase I'm depressed and not like other, laughing, people! I'm kidding. "Wander" away! Enjoy - take great joy from having a site like this... Look, love your buddy-cat right to the end and remember that you had something wonderful together through those many years. The cat has been much loved being with you, right? And you loved your cat, right? S/he's had a full life for a cat and he's been lucky enough to have spent it with you, a loving friend. What could be better than being with your buddy right to the end of it;s life??
I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, K, but I've had so many cats over 60 years that I have had the experience of loving them and letting them go... Look, if Cat is not in dire pain and she loves being with you and being petted by you then go the distance - but - when s/he's in pain you must remember that she's a friend and that she needs to go "home" to wherever good cats go...then you'll make the call and be with her as she journeys on...
Lord God, this stirs some memories... sorry.
oxo
Patrick
