Reply #5: My little old lady of a rescued cat will be 16 this year

[Warpy]

and I'm already anticipating the end since the average age for a domesticated cat is 17 years. She's slowing down, not nearly as playful, but she is still the ultimate lap cat. She's my companion for as long as she can remain here and then she'll move on.

She's neurotic as hell and has some bad habits, but so do I. She's been a great companion, non judgmental, accepting me just as I am since I got her 15 years ago. I will miss her.

I think it's the unconditional acceptance of who we are that we miss most when our furry friends die, and that's why it hurts so damned much.