Shabby,there are still a few problems to work out,like meds dosage and he's had runny poop for a long time,but otherwise he is a happy,cuddly,playful 12yr old kitty and I hope he has at least another 8 yrs to live

I also at one time had a diabetic cat,who with the help of insulin lived to be 17yrs old,when he succumbed to cancer.(

Peppi)
I too am in the process of introducing myself and my cats to a new vet,I'll be seeing him tomorrow.
Also,50yrs is a milestone for sure,49 sounds sooo much younger

,but when you reach my age(64 since jan) things like age don't matter anymore.
It just hits you,you cannot plan as far ahead as you used to and treasure every new spring..
and you are right,some of the best people in the world are members of this Forum