My vet says my cat should be put down

Hi, my 15yo male cat recently developed a sort of cough. The coughing only happens once every day or two, he coughs until he gags and seems uncomfortable for a couple minutes then he seems fine. He is eating fine, drinking & apart from this occasional cough seems OK. He has lost weight and looks quite skinny but that's not from lack of eating. The Vet has said he has fluid in his lungs. He had a course of steroids which didn't improve this. They have recommended putting him to sleep. I'm finding this difficult to take because apart from the occasional cough, to me, he seems OK. The vet says to him it will feel like he is drowning. Could anyone give me some advice or opinions on this? Thank you

Hi - I'm sorry that you find yourself in this position.  I hear that from your perspective your cat is fit and well with the occasional cough and that from your vets' perspective he appears to be drowning.  These two perspectives seem miles apart and I have no objective way of knowing from here who - if either of you - is right!   Obviously there is something wrong because your cat has lost weight and is coughing.   Sometimes, owners can becone so used to their cats pattern of breathing, for example, that they don't realise how abnormal it is.   It sounds as though you would like a second opinion from another vet - but it would have to be a vet who can actually examine the cat, or see a history and x-rays, because I only have these two very conflicting opinions, and few facts at all.   In the UK, it is normal practise to ask a vet to arrange a second opinion for you.  Sone clients prefer to approach a second vet themselves.   However, I would recommend doing this soon because if your vet is right,  them your pet may be feeling very unwell as it stands. I hope something in here helps a little and all the best.

Please will you let us know what happens?

Hi, thanks for your response. I'm afraid to tell you that our little guy got put to sleep. His breathing became very laboured over the weekend. It's absolutely devastating for all of us. I feel like I betrayed his trust by taking him to the vet to be put to sleep but I know it was the right thing do do. We have another female cat who is now constantly meowing and searching the house for him, is there any advice on this? Or will time be the greatest healer? Thank you again  

Hello - and I'm so sorry to hear this.  If you search for the Ralph site, this is an excellent resource for people who have lost their pets. I think that as regards your other cat, time can sometimes be needed to adjust to new social arrangements.  Wishing you both all the best.