_Rinku_ posted... Thank you all for the kind words.
Yes. She had fluid in her lungs, a possible mass, and extremely low WBC. Unfortunately, cats often hide that they are unwell until the end. I'm not sure if he was just lying to make me feel better, but the vet said there was nothing I could have done to prevent this, especially as it happened so suddenly.
Mereoleona had always been a little busted as a result of being old and rescued from the streets. She looked dirty and a little weird no matter how well I cleaned her face or brushed her fur. She still had pep to her though. She would get so excited when she saw I had cheese or chips in my hand; she'd make a little chirp. I kept a close eye on her; her bowel movements were regular (honestly so regular that I could count on her stinking up the house just as I clocked in for work) and no cause for alarm. She routinely stole food from Archie, so she had a healthy appetite. She jumped up and down from the couch with no issue. I could even get her to play with toys every now and then. She was as fine as a cat with her history could be until she wasn't.
Tomorrow is never guaranteed, so love your pets as much as possible, every day.
You really did give her the best life, especially for a cat that had been struggling already on the streets! Plus don't forget - she got to help YOU in one of your hardest times... not to anthromorphize too much, but I'm sure she took happiness in that.