Oh dear exactly the same thing happened to us when we came back after a weeks holiday. Our little Indy (aged nearly 19) was fine when we left but our neighbour said she didn't seem herself...she was weak and crying/panting..we just knew she was dying. I'm so sorry for you losing your cat as well, it's an empty, sad feeling isn't it? I cried non stop for a week and felt I had to cover her grave over to keep her warm (I didn't though)...how unhinged do pets make you? We felt guilty about leaving her, guilt about having her put to sleep...but I must be OK now as I can tell you without choking up. Our friends on Facebook made comments like 'she waited for you to come home' which just made me boo all the more. She's still around - I'm sure I hear her claws getting stuck in the carpet coming upstairs and last week I FOUND one of her claws on the wooden floor. I just miss her sitting on the sofa just touching my hair gently and following me like a little shadow...she had an amazing pampered life.....but I'm still missing her six weeks later xx