My cat has a swallowing disorder

My cat has barely been eating, and losing a lot of weight. He's 21 years old, so I chalked up his picky eating to old age. But recently I've noticed symptoms typical of not being able to swallow, and after searching it's become evident that is his issue.

My problem is I can absolutely not afford to pay for these vet bills. And considering his age, it seems like my two choices are to put him down, or let him starve himself to death. Neither of these options is appealing. I'm 26, so I've had this guy basically my entire life.

He doesn't seem in pain, and he's purring right now as I sit with him. But he is constantly trying to swallow, and drooling the saliva that he can't. I'm at a loss of what to do, so I was hoping you guys could offer some legitimate advice. Keep in mind I can't afford the medical bills associated with this.

He needs to at least see a vet so you know what you're dealing with. What if it's an easy fix?

You could also help him eat with a feeding tube.

If you can't do any of these things, I think it's kinder to let him go. I'm so sorry for both of you.

An easy fix is one thing, the costs of that fix are another. I can't fathom how I'd feed him with a tube. I tried putting some nutritional gel on his mouth forcing him to eat it, and he was not having that

You may be able to find a vet who will work with you or you could look into care credit.

Either way, letting him waste away isn't what you want for him.

It could be cancer, an infection, a nervous-system disorder, a muscle disorder, etc. There are a lot of maybes here. Whatever you do, please don't let him waste away and starve to death. He's counting on you to care for him and to make the best decision for his health and well-being. 

I won't tell you what to do, but please think it over carefully.

I was only saying those are essentially my only two options. Not that I'd actually let my best friend rot away. It's just hard to contemplate putting him to sleep before his time. My vet told me to look into care credit so I'm applying. But a few years ago I had to rush his brother to the vet for having fluid in his lungs, paid for him to stay the weekend there and drain all the fluid out, and a few days after I brought him home he died. I hate to sound so cold about the whole thing but it's hard to cover the bills I already have. The thought of having to pay another $500-2000 bill for a cat which doesn't have much time left anyway doesn't seem justified.