My 18 yr.oldcat became suddenly ill today. DH and dd brought the cat to the emergency weekend vet care. The diagnosis is probably kidney failure/dehydration. I'll spare you the gruesome details. I'm pretty sure our regular vet will have to put her to sleep on Monday. At least we have a little time to say goodbye. The downside to owning a pet. Secondtime we have had to do this. One more younger cat left in our household. We've decided not to get another cat as we have to get a cat sitter when we want to go camping. We have certainly provided a good home to three strays.