The cat that I've known my entire life is being put to sleep as I type this. Her name was Molly. We took her in when I was probably one year old, and she was already fully-grown at that point. I'm now almost 21. She's been having a hard time seeing, hearing, and smelling for a little while now. It was hard making this decision. 

I knew I'd be sad, but these feelings are fucking unbelievable. I was not prepared for this. I guess I just had to get this out. Here's a picture of her when she was healthier: 

What's the brown and red stuff in the back? Did you cut another cat in half? Ritualistic sacrifice is not a proper medicinal cure; doctors proved that back in the 70s.

Sucks so bad to have a pet be put down. Had it happen to a dog we had since he was a puppy, and only fairly recently did we have to let go of a kitten because it had an infection it was young to fight against. 
The sorrow was brief, fortunately, as our dog at least did still live a full, long life, which helped transition the pain to acceptance. Hopefully it'll be as quick to dawn on you too.
 
As for the now, though, I'm sorry for your loss =(

I'm always sad to hear about pets being put to sleep.  Really hope you can get through this without too much difficulty.

" @Gamer_152:   But that's how I am: I notice minor shit, and point the hell out of it, even if it isn't relevant. Nobody wants to hear me talk about how I know what he's going through, or how it sucks to have this type of thing happen or whatever. "

" @Video_Game_King:  dude, you have Asperger's or something?"

My thoughts are with you, JJ. Losing a pet is a horrible thing to go through and I wouldn't wish it on anybody. It's not just an animal you're losing, but a friend, a part of the family. It was devastating when we lost our dog almost two years ago, and a lot of the wounds from that time are still open in my household now. It's a process. It takes time.
 
The photo you posted and the tone of your blog tell me you have a lot of happy memories of her. Hold on to those and cherish them. They're the most important thing a pet can give a person, and the best way to remember them.

" My thoughts are with you, JJ. Losing a pet is a horrible thing to go through and I wouldn't wish it on anybody. It's not just an animal you're losing, but a friend, a part of the family. It was devastating when we lost our dog almost two years ago, and a lot of the wounds from that time are still open in my household now. It's a process. It takes time. The photo you posted and the tone of your blog tell me you have a lot of happy memories of her. Hold on to those and cherish them. They're the most important thing a pet can give a person, and the best way to remember them. "

Holy shit, dude. That's an incredible lifespan for a housecat. I'm 21 on Thursday, and have had cats my whole life. The longest one lived was probably 10 years... and they all died miserable cancer-related or otherwise-horrible deaths. I'd say your cat lived it to the max. I know I cried like a baby when my one cat died. I was the only one in the family that cried when she was put down. I found out my parents had her put down while I was at school, but my dad kept her in the bag they put the cats in and brought her home so I could bury her. Sounds a little creepy in retrospect, but it was understandable with how much I loved that cat.  
 
Basically, I buried the cat once, with my dad helping me. He went to work. Then I decided that she shouldn't be buried in a plastic bag, so I dug her up again and took her out of the bag, in the process getting shit all over my arm. It was also raining pretty hard, so my attempt at a decent hole was half-assed and ended up having to wait for my dad to come home later and help me bury her for the third time. Come to think of it, I remember going to look at colors to paint my car that same day, so that means I was 16 - and the cat was probably 11.

Sorry to hear that. But she looks like a beautiful cat.

I'm sorry to hear it. It's amazing the bonds we create with our pets, I can only imagine with one that's been part of you whole life. It is amazing that she would live for so long and you are blessed for having had such a companion.

Sucks duder :( 
 
At least she had a good innings. 20 years is damn impressive for a cat! 
  
 

   @Video_Game_King: I admire the way that, despite nobody picking up on your desperate attempt at humour, you decided to continue trying to lighten the mood.  
 
And failed. Miserably.

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss... I can't even imagine just how hard that decision must've been. No one's invulnerable to something like this nor is there a point in pretending to be, so cry all you need, man -- I know I would.
Take care, good sir.

Sorry to hear that. 19 year old cat of mine Alice died a couple of months ago and it was rough. The best thing to do is remember all the happy times.

Hey man, I've lost a ton of animals through my life so I know exactly how this feels. My house has basically been a station for animal adoption and it's heartbreaking to see them go. As long as she lived a good, long life, you should try to celebrate the time you spent time with her. I find that's the easiest way to get past it. Best wishes. 

Honestly, I was more upset when Sugar, my first ever pet, died than when my grandma died. Now, my grandma had a stroke and was a vegetable for 6 months, so her death was expected while Sugar's wasn't. I think that speaks to how much animals mean to humans, and how much life sucks without them. 
 
Don't be sad though. Be glad you spent the time with Molly and remember when she made you laugh so hard your  stomach hurt (because all cats do that at least once). And I know it's tough, but seriously consider getting another kitten. It makes the loss so much more bearable and will get your mind off your loss. 
 
Seriously man, I'm really sorry to hear about your cat. RIP Molly.

What's the brown and red stuff in the back? Did you cut another cat in half? Ritualistic sacrifice is not a proper medicinal cure; doctors proved that back in the 70s.

Sorry for your loss, JJ. :(

<> 
 
Remember, it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all, and at 20-ish years, I'd say that's a whole lotta love. 
 
OK, Ignore the Led Zeppelin reference, and just enjoy the sentiment, alright?

@Sweep: 
 
I love how it went from me making things awkward to somebody else making things awkward (the Asperger's part) :P.

So sorry for your loss man. It sounds like Molly was well loved and you and your family shared a great life with her.

I hope you're doing okay man :(  My best friend lost her cat last year and it hit her really hard.  I can't even imagine how I'll be when one of our dogs goes.   Big hug from me to you.

Sorry to hear it, JJ.
 
Take comfort in knowing that she was with you as you grew up to be the person you are today.

Oh, duder! That's just the worst. The dog that I grew up with got put down a couple of years ago and I was still getting gut-wrenching sobs because I would suddenly remember something cute that he used to do.

Sorry to hear about your cat, buddy. It's like losing a family member in a way. 

Sorry for your loss. I lost a kitten too (to FIP) and it's the worse. We get attached to our pets but they inevitably die before us; it's one of the small tragedies of the human condition.

Sorry to hear that dude. And sorry about the assholes ruining this thread.