Why does he have to wake me up at 5AM????

All my kits insist on getting up then, too.

and my sleeping hours were irregular, to say the least.

My cranky old tomcat would sit very patiently, waiting for my breathing to change when I was waking up, and he'd put a big, velvet paw on my nose. When I opened my eyes, he'd use that paw to stroke my hair, petting me back.

It was a nice way to wake up. I miss the irascible old bugger every day.

Thanks for sharing. I can just imagine.

I don't mean the polite little hiss of eructation the usual cat issues, followed by lip smacking. I mean a 12 ounce can of beer in one gulp, deeply sonorous, rattle the windows in their frames belch. It was hilarious coming out of a 7 pound, very elegant looking Himalayan tomcat.

Through 45 years of marriage, my late husband and I had a kitty, each one lived to be at least 15. They were all a joy but each died of kidney failure. We were without a feline companion for a couple of years. 2 years after my husband died of a stroke I thought I should adopt a new kitty, I decided to adopt from a shelter. I chose a wonderful cat who was obviously malnourished and very afraid.. The shelter knew nothing about her. Off I went with a carrier and a kitty. She was a great cat with no bad habits...except waking me at about 4 AM for breakfast

About 4 months ago she got very sick. The Vet I had taken her to for years was too busy to help me when I called to say something was wrong. ( I will never forgive them for not seeing me) With a broken heart, I called the other Vet in my town and discussed what was happening and they wanted to see her right away. This was not her regular Vet. The diagnosis was really bad and the Vet told me there was no hope for any cure for what was happening. You know the rest.

I'm too old for another kitty, and since I am alone, I worry about any new pet if something happens to me. The house seems vacant without a cat to keep me company.

Yes, the house is empty.

I truly understand your current position. We buried our last dog nearly two years ago. Our house is empty. But I enjoy animals I see including other people's pets and wildlife.

Why do so many cats die of kidney failure? Why do so many dogs die of cancer? Just rhetorical questions.

cats are kind of prone to kidney issues, and often the symptoms don't show up until it;s too late. Also, Persians and Abyssinians have a genetic condition which makes them more vulnerable to kidney failure.

We all know how painful that is.

I’m sorry about your loss.