Oh man Igster... your cat looked so much like the one I had growing up. Sorry for your loss.
Unfortunately, I have to add to this thread. This spring, a friend had to give up her cats (allergies, new child, new home). One had to be put down then, but the other two came to live with me. Today, I had to put Picasso down. She broke a canine tooth that required significant surgery, and the vet trip revealed she also had serious kidney disease. At 17, I knew I wouldn't have her long. I was expecting more than six months though. The remaining cat, once the youngest of four and now the lone pet in the house, is 9.
