I haven't really been around for a few days... My oldest cat, kyoki, has been on a slow decline that suddenly began to accelerate. Sadly, today, I had to make the decision to have her put to sleep. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but it was something I had to do to end her suffering. So let me tell you a bit about kyoki... She came to me as a 6 month old kitten from my husband's niece only a few weeks after I had had to make the decision to have my previous cat, Brandy, put to sleep. From day one, kyoki was full of mischief... She was forever getting into things she shouldn't have, would wake me up at night with her crazy antics. She had a weird lazy eye (I didn't even know a cat could have such a thing). She used to love to stick the tip of her tail in the tub when I was taking a bath as if the thing was a thermometer. When she would see a light being shone on the ceiling, she would look up at it and make a chattering noise that made her sound like a defective typewriter. She was very soft spoken, but that didn't mean she didn't like to make noise. She was my companion, my furry baby, my friend... For 12 years she was with me and my family, making herself a part of our strange little clan. Her illness had been going on for months and today it had finally beaten her to the point that we knew it was time... I had to say goodbye to my little girl. The vet wrapped her in a blanket and I held her like a baby as my dear friend left this world and my life. It was heartbreaking and precious at the same time. We'll all miss her dearly (even her furry siblings). And as a tribute, I thought I'd share some pictures of kyoki back when she was in good health.

*hugs* It hurts so much to lose a furry bundle of love. Feel free to share lots more memories if it helps!

Awww, sweet kitty... I know it is hard to lose a furry family member! So sorry! *hugs*

So sorry for your loss, Kitsu,I know she will always have a special place in your heart.

There's a special place in Heaven for pets, and she's waiting there, waiting to dip her tail in your bath when you join her.

I'm sorry for your loss. Pets are so much a part of our families.

She was beautiful. I'm sorry for you loss, Kitsu.

Such a pretty girl, Kitsu. I know how hard it is and am so sorry.

Sorry to read this, Kitsu. She was indeed a beauty. At least you know she's not suffering any more.

Thank you everyone for the beautiful words, it really helped a lot. I'm still having some difficulty, but I know I made the right choice. She was so ill and I think her body was shutting down the day I took her. It was the most merciful thing I could do. I know she'll always live on in our hearts and memories. And now more people will remember her. She was definitely a unique little girl.

I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty, Kitsu. Even though she is no longer with you, she will always be in your heart.