Thank you, everyone. Honestly, I felt really foolish starting a thread at 3AM about my dead cat (I fortunately have some practice in the fool dept., so it didn't stop me), but I was a big mess alone in my home and your kind words here, and in email and pms, have really helped. I especially like the pictures and stories of your pets.
All my neighbors have been coming around since they heard. She was sort of a neighborhood mascot (she was a real character) and they've been telling funny stories I never knew. I learned that she ate some wonderful smoked Salmon for lunch yesterday, so that's good.
Okay, I'll stop or I'm going to start crying again, and I'm really sick of that. So, thanks again. Though I won't be ready for a long time, as many of you have said, another kitty will find me when it's time.
Vicki