Like Dukat said 17 years is a very long time for a cat, not of that course that that makes his death any easier. Losing pets sucks, I'm a cat guy and it took me a little while to get over the death of both my last cat and dog. But now when I remember them I can do so happily, because they were such good friends and cos I had a bunch of fun with them, but it was so hard when I lost them.
So i'm really sorry Mudra cuz i know it's so hard, but at least your cat died peacefully. When my last cat was put down my mom stayed with her and comforted her as she died from the euthanasia. The veterinarian says she always encourages people to be with their pet when they die, because they will look around for their owner if they're not there. god i am getting teary eyed just writing this. But that was good that you stayed with him right until the end, that's what matters.
And maybe you can take comfort that he's in kitty heaven or the summerlands or wherever, and if you don't believe in that then at least he's at peace. and don't feel bad about crying how can you not when something like this happens, I think the death of an animal is even harder sometimes than the death of a person. a person has many flaws, animals are essentially innocent of everything.
when i was a really little kid my mom showed me this poem to make me feel better about our cat dying:
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. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 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....
Nowadays that poem still touches me for whatever reason, but I also like this Marcus Aurelius quote:
Death, like birth, is willed by nature, so how can it be bad?
