Edit: I want to thank everyone for their kind comments. I had a few good cries reading them. My family and I are heartbroken but we will be okay. We have for other cats to continue loving. It all happened very suddenly so please pay attention to your furry ones behavior to try and catch stuff before it gets too late.
I got my cat while I was in high school. She was by my side when I was diagnosed with chronic illnesses and was there with me nonstop as I healed from a couple surgeries over the years. She lived in every home I’ve lived in and has seen me through nearly every heartbreak and other challenge I’ve had in my life. I had to put her down at 20 years old on October 5th.
I told people for years that I didn’t know what I’d do when I’d lose her, except that I’d be a mess. And that’s true. Just reading the comments in this thread has me crying again, and I’m not sure if I’ve had a day without tears since Oct 5. But I’m alive. Losing her has left a hole in my heart and soul, but I’m starting to feel like I can breathe normally again most of the time.
It’s gonna suck, and there’s no way around that. But the love and joy you share now will be worth every moment of the grief you will feel. After all, grief is just love without a place to go.
I recommend taking lots of pictures, videos, and even sound recordings (I have many recordings of her purring). I get so much comfort from watching and listening to those. It’s not the same and it’s not enough, but it still helps.
I wish you all the best, in your health and his. I was so lucky to share twenty years of my life with my girl, and I hope you get as much time with your boy.