I am taking my cat, Skittles, to the vet on Saturday. She has stopped eating (food or treats) and has gotten so thin. She has had thyroid issues for over 4 years and kidney issues for over 2 and has been on 4 different medications. Right now she is 3 months shy of 20 years old and besides my parents, I've lived with her longer than any other living thing. It's going to be very difficult, but I know her quality of life is non-existent right now. I don't want my husband to have to do this since we're living apart for the next few months until his retirement.

Very sorry to hear about Skittles. Saying a prayer that Saturday is a peaceful event.

I'm very sorry to hear this. Losing a pet is so hard. I'll be thinking about you and Skittles.

You are very blessed to have had such a loving furry companion for so long. This phase is never easy. Hope it is as sweet an experience as possible.

::gentle loving pet to Skittles:: I'm sorry.

So sorry Skittles... It is never easy... :'(

My sympathies to you Skittles, it will be a sad time for sure. Hope the good memories of your kitty and the fun times and silly things she did help you through this tough decision.

Thanks guys. While this will be very difficult, it will be best for her. She was a birthday present for my son's 10th birthday so she's even more special to us. I have told him what's going on and he understands and knows I'm doing the right thing.

((((hugs)))) It's never easy...

So sorry to hear that Skittles.

So sorry Skittles.

I'm so very sorry. Sending many good thoughts your way. How wonderful to have had that companion for so long.

Sorry Skittles.

Just a thought, when I had to put my Dante down, we had the vet come to the house to do it. He hated the car, and I just couldn't bear to torture him. Maybe the vet can come to you.

Thanks, DeeQ. We've done that with dogs, but never a cat. The vet is just 3 miles down the road and I don't think she'll care much. Honestly don't know how she's still with us right now - she hasn't eaten anything in a week.

Didn't sleep well. Kept remembering that frisky/wild kitten and how much my son loved her and played with her. When she would play with his feet at night while he tried to sleep he wouldn't close his door (like I did). He just put on house slippers.

Skittles, its a terrible loss for you but your furry family member has had a great run with you. This is not easy but it is worse to keep an animal alive when their quality of life just stops. It will be better for both you and your kitty if her last moments are spent in your loving arms rather than....another way. Prayers are with you.

I am SO sorry Skittles. From someone who has balling her eyes out for the last 36 hours over my sudden loss... I will be praying for you and your fur baby. I wish they could be with us forever. {{HUGS}}

Oh Skittles, I am so so sorry. Saying Goodbye is the toughest yet kindest thing you will do in your whole relationship. I know how you feel. 20yrs is a long, long time, such a bummer they can't go on. Prayers for comfort and have fun at the Bridge Skittles..

Skittles, in Skittle's eyes, you are an angel! Pets trust us fully with their well being. Skittles entrusted you with hers, and although you will miss her, what you will be doing for your furry daughter is in HER best interest - not suffering.

A bit premature, but save the following for Sunday.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body quivers. Suddenly Skittles begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Thanks Rocky. I've read that many times and it always brings tears to my eyes. I have a lot of sweet furbabies waiting for me.

Skittles crossed the Rainbow Bridge Saturday morning. It was difficult, but definitely the right thing to do. She will be missed.

So sorry...