HELP FAST PLEASE!!! CAT IS ACTING STRANGE AND REALLY SICK OUT OF NOWHERE

I adopted a stray cat whos former owners left him behind back in March 2012. This cat the second you open the fridge or pull food out is right there wanting some, every time. The past 3 days he hasn't made any attempt to eat or drink whatsoever. Last night it was pouring rain and he was gone all night, which he never has did once. He came home only today, and just seems to sit in one spot and not move.

I gave him some tuna, which usually he scarfs down, and his favorite, and he took a bit and began drooling, and making a weird sound almost like he was choking but he wasnt. I noticed black around his gums and teeth area. And it appears he has been peeing himself and not cleaning himself properlym which also he usually does constantly. This just came out of nowhere as he was perfectly fine a 4 days ago, and all of a sudden started acting strange like this.

All I have noticed is that his flea collar has been removed, whih I did not remove, I dont know if that has anything to do with this, but happened around the same time this started happening, his flea collar was off of him. Also I got a new kitten on Christmas, which is constantly running around trying to play with the other cat, who is older, although I dont know his exact age he seems young as I have seen him (the cat thats sick) run down the road as fast as you could imagine, so I am assuming hes is under 10. And he has been fine for eating and everything since I got the kitten, so I doubt that could be the reason either, as this just started 3 weeks after I got the kitten here, but have had Wilson (the sick cat) since March 2012.

Another odd thing is he always seems to puke like once a week. And I feed him high quality cat food, and fresh water, and lives in a clean enviroment. But he was always like that since I took him, but again has never acted the way he is now. He has been sitting in one spot for hours on end, and won't respond or barely look at me when I call him, again which has never happened.

Somebody please help, and please do not tell me to go to the vet if that is your solution, its not helpful. I cannot afford a vet, that is the reason I am leaving this post to get help, telling me to goto a vet will be of no help, as I already am aware that would be the ideal solutuion.

Unless you know of a vet that is cheap, or want to help me pay for the vet for him, I need another solution, or advice.

Would appreciate any help, or if anyone has had this happen to their cat that could give me some insight on how to make him better. Thanks.

You really DO need to get him to the vet as he could have ingested something toxic or he could be sick.  No information presented here is meant to replace the advise of a vet.  You need to at least call the emergency vet or your regular vet and see what they recommend.  This is an emergency situation and should not be taken lightly.  I know you're scared, but no one here can diagnose your cat.
 

Your cat desperately needs to see the vet, there is no home remedy that is going to help him. With that being said there are options for you to try to get him to the vet. First and fastest is to apply for care credit, many vets accept it and you can usually get approved for it pretty easy. You can always talk to your vet and see if you can work out a payment plan and get your cat treated now because he desperately needs it and fast.

Not eating for days is putting him at risk for fatty liver, which can be deadly. You need to start syringe feeding him and get some water into him. Is he dehydrated you can pinch the skin on the back of his neck, of it snaps back he is well hydrated. If it stays up or sinks slowly he is dehydrated and needs fluids immediately.

If you have a flea collar on him again or your other cat please take them off. They are poison that your cat is constantly wearing and absorbing through his skin. They are dangerous to your cats.

Unfortunately I don't know if anyone can advise you on anything other than you have to find a way to get him to a vet. Not eating or drinking for three days, drooling, black around the gums, and soiling himself are signs of an absolute medical emergency. He has to receive medical care and it has to be now. 

Perhaps you can borrow money from a friend or family member? Or, try calling different vet's (or the local after hours vet) and ask if you can do a payment plan. If you really can't afford it ask if you can swap labor with them. There is an article at: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/155462/cant-afford-a-vet-please-read that lists some great ways to get vet care when it seems like you can't otherwise afford it, but honestly, at this point, I think you need to devote all your energy into getting him in somewhere. If it's after hours look up the closest after hours vet and go there. Remember, vets work for money of course but they also genuinely care about animals. There are ways to pay it off later but if you don't act soon that later may not be an option. 

I know it's not what you want to hear but the money isn't worth his life. Please, please, please take him to the vet immediately. If you PM me your location I will help call places. 

Your kitty does sound in need of professional veterinary care.  I am not sure anything we can say can help.  At the very least; please call an emergency vet for advice.  I have had to do that twice and our local place has been very helpful. 

Others have given advice on options for payment such as Care Credit; the ultimate decision is up to you of course.  I do have to add our disclaimer:

Quote:

Caring for ones companion animals is a very serious responsibility, and often, in light of that concern, members will create threads seeking information from other members. While we allow and encourage expression of opinions and the recounting of personal experiences, it is the forum's official position that no online advice can ever supercede or replace the care and advice of trained medical professionals who have first hand knowledge of the individual animal's condition. We strongly urge members to refrain from advocating the practice of ignoring medical advice.

I hope your kitty comes through this alright.    I am sorry if these are not answers you were hoping to receive; but from what you have described a vet is the best or only option at this point. 

Hello Jason,

Try to serynge 5 ml of olive or vegetable oil into the cat through the back side of the mouth, he might have fur balls and the oil will help them glide out. keep the animal hydrated with warm water. I empathize with anyone who is trying to help an animal and cannot afford to go to the vet; money doesn't fall from the sky! I have treated many animals with home remedies.

Good luck,

Hope

Pearalta said:

Hello Jason,

Try to serynge 5 ml of olive or vegetable oil into the cat through the back side of the mouth, he might have fur balls and the oil will help them glide out. keep the animal hydrated with warm water. I empathize with anyone who is trying to help an animal and cannot afford to go to the vet; money doesn't fall from the sky! I have treated many animals with home remedies.

Good luck,

Hope

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Please do NOT follow this advice to syringe oil.  Your cat needs to see a vet, and depending what is wrong this could make him worse not better.  Yes, keep him hydrated in the meantime, but that's not a subsitute for going to the vet.

I' m so sorry to hear about your cat! I have to pray that somehow you can take him in of course. Aside from that I would try to at least get some water down because he is surely dehydrated.
(However tuna is never good for a cat as it is way to rich for their systems. Also never use flea collars as they are all toxic to cats and dogs- you can' t trust even ones that say they are organic or natural as they are not.)
I would normally think his bladder is blocked but you said he is peeing on himself...could be he is partially blocked? Any time a cat doesn' t respond and sits without moving I would worry about that. If left untreated he will not make it. The black gums are confusing- but maybe thats extreme dehydration?
Did he get into poisen while away...
Bottom line is he is one very very ill cat and I would take him in and beg for help if I had to- seems like any caring vet would figure out some way of helping and work out a payment plan somehow...its worth trying! Don' t call just take him in....I wouldn' t wait any longer, they may surprise you so please just grab him up and go -it' s better then watching him go through that (and I know you are both suffering).....just go no matter what and see what happens! You will feel better for trying and it could save his life....my prayers are with you and him...