Aww, yes, you and I sound very much alike in this area. Glad your older kitty had some peaceful moments at the end.
Right now, we have a Schnoodle that is getting older. 10 years old. Not really old for a dog that size, but, he came with problems. Got him as a pup. We spent so much time at the vet for this problem or another. Itching being the worst thing for him. Thought they would find something under the scope, couldn't see any kind of bug. I tried soo many different foods. He still cried while itching. . And itching. Poor guy made me miserable just listening to him. Then, one day he stopped. Just as the vet had brought up..he may grow out of it. He did. He has problems with his one back knee, keeps slipping out. They said..when he was a pup, could do the surgery, but it may or may not last. So opted out of that one. He's actually done pretty well with it. Now that he is older, he goes down the stairs with the leg up.
He is now asking to go .. out...often! I am wondering if I may need to try the potty pads. He has multiple Lipoma tumors. Pretty sure this is what will be the end for him. He must have one or more up inside of his inner throat area. He really has a hard time breathing. He used to just snore like no other while sleeping. Now, he will be laying there and make the same sound, while awake. I can't imagine having to struggle to breath like this. Makes us all sad. Our youngest son that is now out and married, had this boy sleeping with him when home. He was pretty much his dog. He still goes crazy when our son comes to visit.
Going to be hard for sure. 
