Sadly, I must update this.

Susie died a couple of days ago.

She lost all interest in food for about 14 days (I suspect cancer cachexia though the Dx is not important). She spent most of her time on a blanket on my bed. I kept her warm and safe but when I realised that I could not do any more the vet came round and did what was needed.

I buried Susie with some of her best things, cried a lot and put a good fern over her which will guard her. She was my best non-human mate for more than 20 years.

The vet was lovely - she told me that, when I feel up to it, they have lots of kittens which need good homes. I will probably take her up on that.

Sorry about the emotion dump.