To the Editor:

What a beautiful article about your Kira Kat [Editor's View, Jan. 22]. I love the pictures. I cried, of course, upon reading your article. I have been through what you two are going through seven times. Yes, I said seven. You will probably get lots of advice. From experience, I can tell you to listen to none of them except for one. And that's your own Kira Kat.

You two have a great bond, and it will only get stronger in her last days with you. You will help her through her bad days, and rejoice with her in her good ones. And you will cherish them all, especially after she's gone. You will think about, even though it was so very difficult, how you loved and cared for her when she needed it most. With your bond you will know when it's time. I don't know how – I can't explain it, but you will know. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Maybe, one day she will look at you, and you will just know. Or maybe one day she will be slow to respond, and you will have this wave of peace come over you, and you will know. Or perhaps one day you will notice she is suffering greatly, and there will be no choice.

Thank you for your article. It let's me know I'm not alone. I had to put my 15-year-old part Maine Coon cat, Henry, to sleep last summer. I still haven't gotten over his death.

Henry was a fun cat, and very people-oriented. He came to us when we'd call his name and would ring a bell on the back door to be let out, much like a dog. He was also polydactyl which made him even more unique. He was 14 years old when his health started deteriorating and he was put on fluids as well as different medications taken twice a day, two kinds of eye drops three times a day and a special food. He tolerated it all and he tried to keep an upbeat attitude about everything. The day I took him to the vet to be put to sleep, he could no longer breathe correctly from his nose, his eye was once again inflamed and swollen, he refused to eat and we could tell he was in pain. All these things literally came together in a day and a half. He rested his head on my shoulder and I knew he could take no more.

Henry was an awesome cat. Your Kira Kat sounds pretty awesome, too. Cherish your days with her, and just listen to what she's telling you.

Susan Arnold

Northampton

Editor's Note: Kira Kat was put to sleep Jan. 26 at home.