Hi Angela
I have been experimenting with sending healing to animals. It seems to help when I place my hands slightly over or lightly on top of problem areas, while sending thoughts of love and peace. Perhaps you could try that. We all have healing energy. When you try this, you will see your cat soften, rest more ... it is wonderful to watch the experience.
18 is a wonderful age for your cat to get to. One thing I have made peace with myself on is that sometimes we ask for a cure, a reversal of a disease and it doesn't come. I don't think we will ever know what is in the highest good for each of us or our pets, but we can ask for the best possible outcome.
So, I tend to be broader in my request for healing. I ask for whatever is possible in the highest good for the animal, at this moment in time. Then I use my hands to channel energy from God/Source/Universe .. doesn't really matter what we call it, it is there none the less.
And I keep repeating clear and calm thoughts "I love you, I wish you peace, I am here for you etc." All the while, listening for any messages or waiting for any images that tells me more about the situation, or whether the animal would like to communicate with me. Sometimes, I will pick up something specific, sometimes I get a sense of where I need to move my hands.
And I find it very important to also say "I love you, I wish you peace" to all my own stressful thoughts linked with an animals illness or difficulty ... because our pets are so sensitive to our feelings that they can get a lot of guilt and pain just by picking up our vibrations of stress. So, make sure you clear yourself of your pain as well. Not just for your cat. Send love to your own fears and stresses around your cat. Tell him it's ok for him to go through whatever he needs to and not to worry about you, because he will worry for you too, and that won't help.
Since I started doing this with my dog a lot, a lot of dogs seem to come up to me in the park for therapy! It's been really wonderful to have so many dogs come over just for me to place my hands on them. They particularly like their shoulders held lightly. I nearly got knocked over the other day from a large puppy, very eager to meet me.
All I know is that the giving of healing is also self healing. And it is more effective when we let go of what we think should or shouldn't be happening. Make friends with now, this moment and just be at peace with it, and then your peace paves the way for others peace.
Namaste
Maya