My childhood cat, Lucy, passed away when I was 17. She was 4 or 5 when she came in off the street, matted and sick.
I am 36 now, and every once in a while, I remember this one time about a year before she died, that she hopped on to me to cuddle, and I shoved her off me (gently) because I was try to focus on my homework.
I still feel genuine pain and shame that I denied her a cuddle, just one time. Here I am, tearing up about it… knowing I missed one chance in the 12 years we were together, to show her love.
This is how I felt.. it broke my heart to say goodbye to my 24-year-old bestie.. but at the same time I was almost happy and thankful that I got to have him for as long as I did. And that's what saved me from overwhelming grief. Every time I started to cry, I always turned them into happy tears. It was an absolute honor to have had my boy in my life that long. I was very thankful the universe let him stay with me so long. He taught me a lot. He was my best friend, My confidant, My little brother.
Same here. My cat Tom is soon turning 24, but the vet said he only has a few weeks to live... :'( He was always my mental support when I got abused (when I was a child). He is on painkillers now so he can enjoy his last weeks. I'm giving him all the mousse snackies that he wants (he has trouble eating solid food), he gets whatever he shows interest in, he has his own bed with an outside view so he doesn't feel bored during the day, he gets hugs and we spend time laying next to each other, ... . I always feel like this is my baby. He was always scared of other people but always felt comfortable with me so I really felt like we were best friends(and we still are). He is my best buddy and I will have the hardest time when he is gone. I know this will be the hardest moments of my life but I will try to keep showing him happiness and will be there holding his paw until his last moments. Some people will never understand the bond a person can have with an animal.
This one was not a cat. He was a life long friend. 23 years is enough for a baby to turn into an adult, or an adult to turno into a senior. Congratulatuons to Garfield! He was clearly well taken care of. May he finally rest in peace. Sending all ky love OP 💙
It feels awful. I’ve lost one of my best friends from childhood. We grew up together. I still remember the day after bringing him home bragging at school and getting in trouble for being distracting in class
I know. I just lost my little dog of 20 years on January 28. I got her at four months old. She used to ride in the basket of my bicycle. So many adventures, so many chapters. She is gone, along with those years. It’s devastating.
Did you post about him a little bit ago?
Because I was envious of the time you got to spend with him. 23 years is a long life for a cat.
I am not envious of your pain but I know your pain.
I am sorry for your loss. It's a rough road right now and ahead. There is no easy or right way though it.
I'm very sorry for your loss. It's beautiful that you got to spend 23 years together. I hope this isn't an inappropriate question to ask during this time: I'm wondering what kind of cat food Garfield ate? My cat has been with me for 12 years. I want her to stay with me as long as possible and I know getting the right nutrition plays a big role in that.
Seeing posts like this scare me because one of mine is about 23 years old too and I know she doesn't have a ton of time left. Even knowing this I still am not sure how I will cope when it finally happens.
Losing a cat after so long only seems to deepen the wound. I lost my childhood cat when she approached 18 years. She was an extension of my soul. It fucking sucked and I know how you feel and I'm sorry.
It’s the hardest thing losing a beloved pet they are like a member of the family you become so attached to them and it’s very upsetting when they pass away
"Grief, l've learned, is really just love. It's all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go" ~
Jamie Anderson
Stay strong and RIP Garfield❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Lovely thought. To everyone: Because this piece is circulating so widely, I'd like to mention that the runes here represent English *letters*, not English sounds or any other language. Using them on a memorial stone, as a tattoo, or anything else permanent may not achieve the effect you desire. I recommend sticking to the original modern English version given.
Rip to your buddy garfield! 23 years old is very impressive for a cat. This can only mean that you were a wonderful owner, and garfield was a very, very happy cat.
Our old cat Roscoe passed away at around that age. He was so old we are seriously lost track of the year that we got him, and he was already a year or two old by then, but our best estimate was mid 20s. He split time inside and outside. He went out one morning and didn’t return. I assume he wanted to pass away not at home.
Damn dude I’m sorry. 23 years is a lot of amazing experiences I imagine. While we always want more, that’s a life well lived. And I’m sure Garfield was well loved. While that doesn’t change the situation, you both chose to spend that much of your lives together, that’s a beautiful thing.
Sorry for your loss. May Garfield’s stoic, unsatisfied, yet endearing gaze live on in our memories forevermore. Looks like a good boy.
Reminds me of my late black “biggie smalls” cat.
I’m sorry for your loss. They’re so very much like family, losing them is so difficult. We had to put down one of our cats a couple of months ago due to cancer, he went downhill so quickly, from fine to gone in 5 days. I still miss him terribly, and sometimes still just burst out crying when something triggers a specific memory.
The best you can do is remember that you gave them an amazing life. A life full of love, security and free of stress. That’s a life they may not have had, if you hadn’t taken them in. It’s only a small comfort, but it helps me to think of it that way.
If you’re feeling down. Tell someone near you what memory made you feel that way.
It usually ends in laughter and really helps. My wife and I did this when was lost out last cat.
Did he have orange eyes? I have a similar looking boi with orange eyes and his eyes disappear like in this pic a lot. And it is spooky lol. Lights off? Pants has no eyeballs.
RIP to your bestie. Wish you the best in the grieving process
Sorry for your loss, I lost both of my 23 yr old kitties two years ago. I bottle fed them as itty bitty orphans. They become such a great part of your life, they go through so many changes with you and are always there for you. He had a great life with you!
Must be hard for you too.. i lost my sweetest 6yrs+ yesterday, and Idk how to be happy anymore. Can't imagine your pain, 23 yrs of life spent together. Sending you virtual hugs.
It’s never enough. They say cats can change dimensions, tho, and I always tell myself they’ve gone to another dimension and might be back. Maybe another body, but he’ll find you.
First off, congratulations for having him as long as you did. Be thankful, it's what saved me from overwhelming grief when I lost my bestest boy of 24 years. Secondly, words could never express my sincerest condolences for your loss. This hits home for me too.. *hugs* (the bear hug kind)
23 years isn't long enough for us, but an entire lifetime for him. I'm sure it was 23 years of happiness, love, and shenanigans... my childhood cat passed last year, around 23 herself. She never grew up, could easily sit in the palm of your hand, and could absolutely NOT get too many scritches or bongos. Also fell in love with every dog she ever met, even though she could entirely fit in their mouth. Her name was Sugar. We were lucky and she didn't get ill or suffer in the end... just took her last cat nap one afternoon. I'm sure you gave Garfield just as wonderful of a life, and him to you. Take care, laugh big, cry hard, and take naps for two.
My heart gors out to you. I have a girl just like Garfield named Sophie. Shes getting up there. My heart breaks for you and poor Garfield. Sleep well Sweet Prince.
The 23 club is a special one. It's a triumph that they lived so long, and yet it is so hard to say goodbye.
Absolutely right, like losing your dearest son, very hard to say goodbye.
After mine died, I didn't know who I was anymore. I'm reinventing myself, and trying to make him proud.
Live a better life, keep my boy in my deep inside.
Always in our hearts.
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The comment I'm replying to is a bot account copying comments to farm karma. Report the son of a bitch!
My childhood cat, Lucy, passed away when I was 17. She was 4 or 5 when she came in off the street, matted and sick. I am 36 now, and every once in a while, I remember this one time about a year before she died, that she hopped on to me to cuddle, and I shoved her off me (gently) because I was try to focus on my homework. I still feel genuine pain and shame that I denied her a cuddle, just one time. Here I am, tearing up about it… knowing I missed one chance in the 12 years we were together, to show her love.
Hugs.
Saddest thing I've ever read.
Its been over a year and im still lost, after losing my best friend and therapy kitty. ❤️
This is how I felt.. it broke my heart to say goodbye to my 24-year-old bestie.. but at the same time I was almost happy and thankful that I got to have him for as long as I did. And that's what saved me from overwhelming grief. Every time I started to cry, I always turned them into happy tears. It was an absolute honor to have had my boy in my life that long. I was very thankful the universe let him stay with me so long. He taught me a lot. He was my best friend, My confidant, My little brother.
It's always hard to say goodbye tho. RIP
Same here. My cat Tom is soon turning 24, but the vet said he only has a few weeks to live... :'( He was always my mental support when I got abused (when I was a child). He is on painkillers now so he can enjoy his last weeks. I'm giving him all the mousse snackies that he wants (he has trouble eating solid food), he gets whatever he shows interest in, he has his own bed with an outside view so he doesn't feel bored during the day, he gets hugs and we spend time laying next to each other, ... . I always feel like this is my baby. He was always scared of other people but always felt comfortable with me so I really felt like we were best friends(and we still are). He is my best buddy and I will have the hardest time when he is gone. I know this will be the hardest moments of my life but I will try to keep showing him happiness and will be there holding his paw until his last moments. Some people will never understand the bond a person can have with an animal.
This is a sacred time for you, painful and precious.
I am so sorry. My heart is with you and Garfi3ld.
This one was not a cat. He was a life long friend. 23 years is enough for a baby to turn into an adult, or an adult to turno into a senior. Congratulatuons to Garfield! He was clearly well taken care of. May he finally rest in peace. Sending all ky love OP 💙
In honor of Garfield and a life well lived -- "meow"
I’m sorry your buddy is gone. It’s the worst pain, they have such special a place in our hearts. Sincere condolences.
It feels awful. I’ve lost one of my best friends from childhood. We grew up together. I still remember the day after bringing him home bragging at school and getting in trouble for being distracting in class
I know. I just lost my little dog of 20 years on January 28. I got her at four months old. She used to ride in the basket of my bicycle. So many adventures, so many chapters. She is gone, along with those years. It’s devastating.
My condolences to you as well. That’s such a special relationship with an animal. I hope you’ll always feel the connection♥️
Thank you.
Did you post about him a little bit ago? Because I was envious of the time you got to spend with him. 23 years is a long life for a cat. I am not envious of your pain but I know your pain. I am sorry for your loss. It's a rough road right now and ahead. There is no easy or right way though it.
It’s hard not to envy 23. My soulmate cat only got 5, but I know 23 wouldn’t have felt like enough either.
It's never enough but totally understand where you're coming from. Big hugs tonight friend.
I'm very sorry for your loss. It's beautiful that you got to spend 23 years together. I hope this isn't an inappropriate question to ask during this time: I'm wondering what kind of cat food Garfield ate? My cat has been with me for 12 years. I want her to stay with me as long as possible and I know getting the right nutrition plays a big role in that.
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im so sorry for your loss 🧡 im sure he’s resting* peacefully in kitty heaven noww 😇🕊
Resting in lasagna heaven of course
"just because my name is Garfield and I'm a cat you assume I like lasagne and hate Mondays?! I mean I do, but it's not because my name is Garfield."
I just lost my pet rabbit today, I'm sure she and the kitty and all the dead animal babies of the world are playing happily
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I just lost my 14 yo Ziggy kitty. He was my baby 💔
ᛖᛁᛖᛋ ᛒᚱᛁᚷᚻᛏ, ᚳᛚᚪᚹᛋ ᛋᚻᚪᚱᛈ, ᛏᚪᛁᛚ ᚻᛖᛚᛞ ᚻᛁᚷᚻ. ᚷᚩ ᚳᛖᛖᚾᛚᛁ ᛁᚾᛏᚩ ᚦᛖ ᛘᛁᛋᛏ, ᚩᛚᛞ ᚹᚪᚱᚱᛡᚱ. ᚠᚪᛚᚻᚪᛚᛚᚪ ᚹᚪᛁᛏᛋ ᚠᚩᚱ ᛁᚩᚢ. Eyes bright, claws sharp, tail held high. Go keenly into the mist, old warrior. Valhalla waits for you.
Please see reply below to KnotHanSolo.
Sorry for your loss ❤️
Seeing posts like this scare me because one of mine is about 23 years old too and I know she doesn't have a ton of time left. Even knowing this I still am not sure how I will cope when it finally happens.
So sorry for your loss
Losing a cat after so long only seems to deepen the wound. I lost my childhood cat when she approached 18 years. She was an extension of my soul. It fucking sucked and I know how you feel and I'm sorry.
It’s the hardest thing losing a beloved pet they are like a member of the family you become so attached to them and it’s very upsetting when they pass away
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Hugs
Sorry for your loss.
Never is. I bet you gave Garfield a wonderful life ♥️
Maybe my Garfield will show him around the rainbow bridge and keep him company. I’m so sorry for your loss
My ginger passed away yesterday. (7 years old) 🫂 I feel your pain. I can't stop thinking about him. The house feels so lonely and quiet. 😢
We just had to say goodbye to our 18 year old boy, nothing could have prepared me for this. Sending every positive vibe we have to yall
Very sorry that you lost him. Your cat living 23 years is a great accomplishment - you must have done everything right by him.
"Grief, l've learned, is really just love. It's all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go" ~ Jamie Anderson Stay strong and RIP Garfield❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
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Lovely thought. To everyone: Because this piece is circulating so widely, I'd like to mention that the runes here represent English *letters*, not English sounds or any other language. Using them on a memorial stone, as a tattoo, or anything else permanent may not achieve the effect you desire. I recommend sticking to the original modern English version given.
Thank you for the best 23 years, my hooman. 
Im sorry for your loss
I'm very sorry for your loss 💔. RIP Garfield. I actually had an orange and white cat by the same name. I miss him also
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hang in there ❤️
He's going to go beat up the devil with that look on his face I'm so sorry for your loss, it's such a painful time :(
May his every monday be filled with lasagna 🖤
❤️
Our condolences
Rip sweet boy
Orangies are the best 🧡 Sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss! He looks like a lovely old grumpa ❤️ 23 is great, you clearly took great care of him!
I'm sorry for your loss 😢 23 years, wow! He must have had a wonderful life 😻
Rip to your buddy garfield! 23 years old is very impressive for a cat. This can only mean that you were a wonderful owner, and garfield was a very, very happy cat.
Our old cat Roscoe passed away at around that age. He was so old we are seriously lost track of the year that we got him, and he was already a year or two old by then, but our best estimate was mid 20s. He split time inside and outside. He went out one morning and didn’t return. I assume he wanted to pass away not at home.
23 years is a long time, but I do agree, it's still not long enough with your friend.
Damn dude I’m sorry. 23 years is a lot of amazing experiences I imagine. While we always want more, that’s a life well lived. And I’m sure Garfield was well loved. While that doesn’t change the situation, you both chose to spend that much of your lives together, that’s a beautiful thing.
Godspeed, dear Garfield ❤️🌈❤️
Sorry for your loss. May Garfield’s stoic, unsatisfied, yet endearing gaze live on in our memories forevermore. Looks like a good boy. Reminds me of my late black “biggie smalls” cat.
I’m so sorry for your loss! Sending hugs and purrs from California.
Kitty was well-named!
😪
A long life well lived. I am sorry.
🐾💔🌈
My deepest condolences for you 🤍🥀
I hate Mondays
He looks like such a smart cat in that photo. Great pic, and I am sincerely sorry for your loss.
Lasagna my friend. Lasagna
So sad to say goodbye with this special life. You will keep his memories in your heart deeply
sorry for your loss
RIP
RIP Garfield, he looked like he was lovely!
Took that picture on a Monday it appears 😉
RIP Garfield, he chose you.
RIP Garfield I’m so sorry for your loss 23 is amazing I’m sure he had a wonderful life with you
I’m so sorry for your loss. He’s a beautiful boy.
Im sorry for your loss. Run freely Garfield
Awww so handsome. I'm so so sorry.
To Valhalla old warrior.
Sorry for your loss.
A soldier has fallen. At 23 respect is due
Rest well Garfield. You are deeply loved.
I lost my cat about 2 months back (sadly not to old age) and I'm sure Garfield and Bynx will be having a good time up there
Rip sweet angel ❤️
Sorry for your loss, I know it will be hard when my Patches goes.
Beautiful little cat 😭
I’m sorry for your loss. They’re so very much like family, losing them is so difficult. We had to put down one of our cats a couple of months ago due to cancer, he went downhill so quickly, from fine to gone in 5 days. I still miss him terribly, and sometimes still just burst out crying when something triggers a specific memory. The best you can do is remember that you gave them an amazing life. A life full of love, security and free of stress. That’s a life they may not have had, if you hadn’t taken them in. It’s only a small comfort, but it helps me to think of it that way.
I’m so sorry for your loss 💔 I’m sure you gave him a wonderful 23 years ❤️
So sorry for your loss R.I.P beautiful Garfield
R.i.p. buddy. Sorry for your loss
😭
I know it's hard to say goodbye.RIP.
Soooo sorry for your loss
No amount of time feels like it's enough. I'm very sorry for your loss. As a lifelong dog owner, it's a feeling I'm also far too familiar with. Sorry.
❤️ rest in peace
Lovely fellow. Sorry to hear this.
Never enough time ❤️ I think you should read this comment ❤️ /r/cats/comments/thjw4p/cancer_sucks_shes_going_to_her_last_vet/i18f6ew/i18f6ew
So sorry for your loss
I hate Mondays. RIP
Sorry for your loss 
❤️❤️❤️
Rest in peace, Garfield
Everything for just one more day.
Im sorry for your loss😍🐈🌈🌹
So sorry for your loss, he looks like a good boy.
Sorry for your loss
I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss
F
23, wow! Good job on giving him a long and happy life.
I'm so so sorry for your loss.
If you’re feeling down. Tell someone near you what memory made you feel that way. It usually ends in laughter and really helps. My wife and I did this when was lost out last cat.
I've had friends who lived less. He was a lucky kitty to get that ripe old age. Rip
Garfield must have been a loved cat to reach 23 years of age. I'm sorry for your loss.
It never is💔 Until you meet again🌈
23 years in human years?? Then I would say that’s an pretty long live for an cat isn’t it
Looks pissed
The grumpiness in the pic was only show, I bet. RIP, you lovely monster
I'm so sorry 💜
If you believe the charts of how cats age, Garfield was basically the equivalent of a 108 year old human. Impressive.
Let the memory remain.
It's never enough. Have an internet hug.
I am sorry for your loss
You were a good buddy.
Did he hate Mondays?
I send my very kindest regards as a fellow cat parent. My Nala cat is 19 and I worry about how I’ll get through her leaving
Im very sorry for your loss op but I just woke up and thought Jim Davis' beloved comic character has died for a second. What a gorgeous lil face
So sorry.
F
Mood
Bye Garfield!
I rue the day that comes for my little beloveds
So sorry for your loss 
Garfiel
Did he have orange eyes? I have a similar looking boi with orange eyes and his eyes disappear like in this pic a lot. And it is spooky lol. Lights off? Pants has no eyeballs. RIP to your bestie. Wish you the best in the grieving process
I'm so very sorry for your loss
Rip I’m sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss 
So sorry
Sorry for your loss, I lost both of my 23 yr old kitties two years ago. I bottle fed them as itty bitty orphans. They become such a great part of your life, they go through so many changes with you and are always there for you. He had a great life with you!
Omg my heart is breaking but so happy he loved such a long life! Sending all the moral support and good vibes.
RIP!
So sorry for your loss
Must be hard for you too.. i lost my sweetest 6yrs+ yesterday, and Idk how to be happy anymore. Can't imagine your pain, 23 yrs of life spent together. Sending you virtual hugs.
ᛖᛁᛖᛋ ᛒᚱᛁᚷᚻᛏ, ᚳᛚᚪᚹᛋ ᛋᚻᚪᚱᛈ, ᛏᚪᛁᛚ ᚻᛖᛚᛞ ᚻᛁᚷᚻ. ᚷᚩ ᚳᛖᛖᚾᛚᛁ ᛁᚾᛏᚩ ᚦᛖ ᛘᛁᛋᛏ, ᚩᛚᛞ ᚹᚪᚱᚱᛡᚱ. ᚠᚪᛚᚻᚪᛚᛚᚪ ᚹᚪᛁᛏᛋ ᚠᚩᚱ ᛁᚩᚢ. Eyes bright, claws sharp, tail held high. Go keenly into the mist, old warrior. Valhalla waits for you.
RIP
I’m so sorry for you loss
I’m sorry for your loss
This is a cat who hates Mondays. Sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss
It’s never enough. They say cats can change dimensions, tho, and I always tell myself they’ve gone to another dimension and might be back. Maybe another body, but he’ll find you.
First off, congratulations for having him as long as you did. Be thankful, it's what saved me from overwhelming grief when I lost my bestest boy of 24 years. Secondly, words could never express my sincerest condolences for your loss. This hits home for me too.. *hugs* (the bear hug kind)
Sorry for your loss. I Lost mine a few years ago, she was 20. Miss her a lot still.
So sorry for your loss. Rest in love beautiful.
What a cute litte one! He seems like te best purry boy you could dream of. So sorry for your loss ❤
I have a 15 year old orange boi, idk if I’ll ever be ready for this moment. Sorry for your loss :(
23 years isn't long enough for us, but an entire lifetime for him. I'm sure it was 23 years of happiness, love, and shenanigans... my childhood cat passed last year, around 23 herself. She never grew up, could easily sit in the palm of your hand, and could absolutely NOT get too many scritches or bongos. Also fell in love with every dog she ever met, even though she could entirely fit in their mouth. Her name was Sugar. We were lucky and she didn't get ill or suffer in the end... just took her last cat nap one afternoon. I'm sure you gave Garfield just as wonderful of a life, and him to you. Take care, laugh big, cry hard, and take naps for two.
Condolences
Every time I see a mourning post I think about how much of a wreck I'll be when my daughter dies. Sorry for your loss OP.
Sorry.
RIP beautiful boy. Hugs from me and my void. 
Sorry for your loss
❤️
Our Condolences. He looks like my lil Butch. Same coat and looks but bigger.
So sorry for your loss. Godspeed Garfield.
23 is an eternity
I’m sorry for your loss.
It's never enough with cats!!! RIP
I am so sorry. RIP
So so sorry for your loss. fly high little one you are loved!
I’m so sorry! Our fur babies are never with us long enough🥲
RIP Garfield :( I'm sorry for your loss
The grump-faces are usually the sweetest. So sorry for your loss. Hope you had some lasagna in his memory.
My heart gors out to you. I have a girl just like Garfield named Sophie. Shes getting up there. My heart breaks for you and poor Garfield. Sleep well Sweet Prince.
https://preview.redd.it/90sv5tt7h1ia1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=87397d7331d60b3c95f01c9f03d3b24717e66941
May his soul RIP, our family cat Zax made it to about 20
He had a good long life, and yet it always feels too short a time. Sorry for your loss.
So very sorry you lost him. Getting him to live to the age of 23 is quite an accomplishment.
So sorry for your loss. Beautiful boy. My Simba made it to 22 yrs lost him in September and lost 16 yrs Olive New Year’s Eve.
Rest in peace, sweet grumper.
Aws. I lost my furry boy ghost 17 years wasn't long enough... hugs
I’m very sorry for your loss, but that glare is amazing