Steve, I am so sorry too hear about your Missy - 23 years is a long life - but that doesn't make any difference, does it? It is always so hard to say Goodbye to one of our companions.
I always wondered why they have such a short life compared to the human life-span, and perhaps it's to teach us to let go?
They enrich our lives so much, it is hoped that we do the same for them. I can tell that this little cat was loved.

23 years is a long time to have a furbaby in your life.
That Missy lived so long is proof that you took good care of her.
It hurts to lose them and they are never forgotten.

Missy was truly loved.

Steve, I know how hard this is to do having just buried our dear Folly, who was 14 when we had to let her go. I now have two new kittens, Mr. Darch and Oliver/Ollie. On the day the shelter called to say I could have them, I cried because it meant that Folly was really, really gone.

How lucky you were to have Missy for so long. She'll leave a big hole in your life even if you get another cat. We really never forget the good ones.

This must be a really rough time for you and your wife and I'm so sorry.Cats are such quirky little things who just worm their way into your heart and soul. Please accept my sympathy at the loss of your Missy.

Steve, and I thought the fact that our Tigger lived to be twenty was an achievement. Twenty-three is just an amazing life for a cat. I know you gave her living care for her to reach that ripe old age, and I also know it was like losing a dear old friend. I'm sorry for your loss.

Sorry about your loss, Steve. May you and your wife find room in your hearts for another. Hearts like yours always will.

Michael

Steve, I'm so sorry. I know how hard it is to make the decision you made, and how empty you feel at the moment. I can only hope that my new kittens are placed in homes with as much love as yours.

Maryanne

Steve it is awful to lose one at any age. How wonderful that you had twenty-three years!!

I'm so sorry you had to lose your furry friend and companion, Steve. Once the gaping hole where she belongs begins to close a little, I hope you can find comfort in 23 years' worth of memories.

How sad, but she must have been a truly extraordinarily good cat that you can say "never any trouble". I think her good virtues must have overwhelmed her mischief in your memory. I'll hope that in coming days you and your DW will remember and smile about some of her amusing ways...it will soothe the hurting heart a little. josh

I'm very sorry. I know she was a special companion.

"I suppose a little cat is not very important in the grand scheme of things."

Steve, this little cat was very important to you. That's what matters most. Bless you for giving her such a good life. You're a good soul.

I'm going to give my little furry group an extra pat on the head in honor of your Missy.

Karen

Sorry Steve, I know how attached we get to our cats. We have never been without one for the last 58 years. We have had 7 with the oldest being 21 years.

"I suppose a little cat is not very important in the grand scheme of things."

LOL: I had a response ready to post saying that "little cats" are really part of the "grand scheme" when one of my kittens, Mr. Darcy, leapt on to the keyboard and managed to erase the whole thing. So see, Steve, they matter a great deal!

What I was also going to say is that (I think it is the) Tibetans who say that the person who loves and cares for cats will get a special place in the afterlife. And it's also important to remember that the ancient Egyptians worshipped cats. Missy is now part of a long line of furbabies with a central place in the universe.

I'm sorry for your loss. Not being very important in the grand scheme of things is irrelevant. (Aren't we all?) Being everything to someone is what counts. I celebrate the love she brought throughout the life she shared with you, and am saddened by the hole she left behind.

Sorry for your loss Steve. To have a buddy for so many years is a testament to your caring. Our critters are the ones that are there for us no matter what and I am sure you have been there for Missy all these years. Give her a flower for me.

Thank you so much. You are a loving caring group. My wife Margaret thanks you also. And Maryanne in NC. If you have some kittens about a year from now let me know. I just may drive down and adopt one. Steve in Baltimore County.

Steve, I didn't plan on having kittens now! Cali followed me home when it seemed I needed to have a hole in my life filled, and fill it she did....with 5 magical babies! They are magical because they steal your heart in ways you can't imagine. I have 4 girls (3 calicos and 1 solid black...not one speck of white on her!), and 1 boy (an orange tiger) who are 5 weeks old. If you find within the next few weeks that you have a hole to fill, you let me know. I'd be honored to have one of these babies loved by you and your wife.

It's going to be so hard to part with them...I've fallen hopelessly in love with each one of them. Sigh....

Maryanne

I am so sorry for your loss, all life is sacard. Missy will always be loved and missed.

She will never be gone as long as she remains in your hearts; thus do beloved friends live on.

Steve---cat lover here,also.
Please let me add my condolances.
No mistake; those beautiful, unpredictable and demanding little creatures can leave a big hole in our hearts when it's time for them to journey on.
I know you must be feeling pretty sad right now.
(((((Steve and family)))))