6 y/o neutered cat with fluid in lungs

Hello everyone,

This is a very difficult time for me and my kitty and I've come here looking for some help.  If I've posted this in the wrong section, I apologize in advance.

My 6 year old fur baby Merlin has fluid in his lungs that keeps filling up due to an issue with chylothorax, where his lymphatic system has a leak and is filling his chest cavity. He's had his lungs drained twice now but the vet doesn't want to do it again because he says there's a risk of infection and trauma.

This is where I'm coming to anyone who can offer advice.  The vet will not openly admit that it's time to say goodbye to Merlin but they sure are implying it. : (

My question to you is, when do you know it's the right time to say goodbye?  I know a popular response is to watch his quality of life and if it has declined then you know it's time.  My concern is that Merlin will drown? or suffocate before then.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

I'm sorry, I am not familiar with the condition, but I have watched 2 cats (one with IBD/intestinal cancer and one with diabetes that we chose not to treat for quality of life reasons) go slowly from their conditions. It's not easy and you don't always make the right choice, ultimately though, a time comes when they give you a look, a look that says I've had enough, or they just lie around, with no energy . You don't always feel you got it right. I had questions at the time of whether we left it too long or not long enough but I believe as long as they don't seem to be suffering and are interested in eating and living then they're okay.

I guess the question of him suffocating or drowning is one to ask your vet about (or if you don't feel your vet is giving you the right answers perhaps a 2nd opinion). Another one might be how traumatic it would be for him if that were to happen.

I am so sorry, it is heartbreaking to see your pet not well, and the thought of losing them is beyond painful. I read that there is a drug call Rutin that has been used to help cats and dogs with this situation. It sounds like you are not ready to give up. And it sounds like draining the lungs will give him the relief he needs. I would consider another vet if your vet is reluctant to drain his lungs until you explore all options. Midi and I are  sending healing thoughts.