But I have had one for 12 years and I had to have her put down today.  She was not particularly lovable to anyone besides me.  Took random swipes at unsuspecting visitors for fun.  Renal failure just discovered about 2 weeks ago and a downward spiral since.  Vet told me I really had no choice.  The thing moved in with us when I got divorced from my kids' mom and has been my constant companion since, with my kids going away to school and she has seen my single years from a perspective unshared by any other.

Lizzie (she was named after this website) will be missed by me more than I ever would have suspected.  RIP, kitty.