What's wrong with my cat?

Question

He has been acting very strange latley, doing things like throwing up his food a lot and ripping out chunks of his own fur. His fur is getting thinner and thinner on certain parts of his back. We can't seem to figure out why he's doing this.
Now, before anyone gets smart and suggests that I take him to the vet, know that I have already considered that. I do'nt want to spend 200$ on an appointment that only tells me that he has fleas.
Any ideas would be helpful.

ok. So, basically the response I got told me that I was a heartless ***** and that I should take him to the vet.
What people don't seem to realize is that I was planning to take him to the vet all along, I was just trying to see if maybe I could get a little bit of information before I take him. I'm happy that people like you are concerned for the well being of animals, that's great, but it's not like I'm mistreating him. He is schduled to see a vet on Thursday.

Answer 1

Not sure what could cause that. Have you seen fleas on him? It's easy to check for, just pull back some of his fur to see if he has any fleas or flea dirt. You can also buy a flea comb from the pet store for about $6. Just run it through and if he has any fleas, they will get caught in the comb. If he doesn't have any, you can eliminate that problem, and tell that to the vet when you call.

I'm not trying to be "smart", but it does sound like he should be seen by a vet. You don't know how much it will cost, it might not wind up being $200. However, the longer you wait, the more expensive it will get. Most vets will allow you to work out a payment plan if you cannot pay it all at once. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Answer 2

$200? Surely that's not the price of a consult at your vets??? If so I would find a cheaper one!!

Suggesting you go to a vet is not 'getting smart' - it's common sense. Common sense should tell you that NO one, not even a vet, can diagnose over the internet.

Could it be fleas? Likely if you don't treat the cat regularly - and I mean with a treatment from a vets, not a shop. Although fleas wouldn't cause vomiting, worms would, and these can be transmitted by fleas.

Other than that, the list of most likely diagnosis for vomiting and hair loss include, but are not limited to:

+ hormonal imbalances
+ poisoning
+ fur balls
+ allergies
+ infection

See what I mean? If you really want to find out what the problem is, and you seem to, you're just going to have to go to the vet.

Chalice

Answer 3

I don't know too much about this, but it is a common sign of anxiety and stress in cats. Has he been exposed to any unusual situations? Have you recently moved? Did you have another cat that is no longer with you, or are there new family members in the house? Cats are surprisingly sensitive to their environment and really dislike change.
You may also want to consider your cats age. Is he young or old? Older cats can have further health difficulties. Sometimes the pulling of fur may indicate that your cat is in pain.
Fleas should not cause such a reaction. Your cat would scratch and bite himself, but not to the point of loosing fur. To double check, you can purchase a flea comb (cat or dog comb is fine) and run it through his fur and if their are any fleas you will see them.
If money is a real issue, you may consider talking to the SPCA in your county. They often have special arrangements with local vets and can offer discount health treatments (free spaying and routine maintenance, for example).
Is your cat spayed/fixed? If not, he may need to be.
You may also call a vet on the phone and ask general questions for free, or stop by a Pet Smart and ask the Bradfield (I think that's what it's called) hospital nurses and assistants for any free advice. A vet's visit, however, is not such a bad idea.
Good luck. I hope your kitty feels better.

Answer 4

Some cats throw-up all the time, though others hardly ever do. One of the most famous reasons is because of hairballs. To help keep cats from shedding or getting hairballs you need to brush them daily. If your cat has just thrown up and you're not sure whether it may be from hairballs or not, you can check it for grayish clumps or balls. It doesn’t matter what type of fur your cat has. Even shorthaired cats can get hairballs.

Another reason why your cat might be throwing up could be that they are allergic to their cat food. Try switching your cats food and make sure that it doesn’t have a lot of the same ingredients as the last.

Sometimes cats will throw up because they have worms. If so, you should talk to your vet and set up a deworming appointment.

If your cat is constantly throwing up they could have a kidney infection or an overactive thyroid. This is most common to older cats. Your vet may be able to do a blood test to find out about either of these.

You know what your cat’s daily routine is. If they are throwing up more than usual or are acting strange, you should take them to your vet. The main thing is to make sure that they have lots of fluids so that they don’t get dehydrated

Answer 5

A cat doesn't throw up and rip out his fur because of fleas. Go to the vet or give the cat to the local animal shelter so that he can live in a home that actual cares about him.

Answer 6

"Now, before anyone gets smart and suggests that I take him to the vet.." lol good one! I asked a question about my cats health once and I swear every person said either fleas or take him to the vet. i was like -_-

Anyway, did you get any new pets lately? He could be a little stressed. My older cat did the same thing when he was stressed.

Answer 7

A pet is a responsibility -- expect to spend money on a pet -- throughout its whole lifetime (10-15-20 years or more).

I ended up paying $3,000 in 2 years for veterinary care for my Princess, who had Cancer and other health problems. I NEVER hesitated, even though I had to borrow much of that money.

Fins a vet who does GOOD work but will still give you a discount.

Your cat, who depends on you -- is suffering.

Answer 8

You could just call the vet's office and see if these symptoms sound like anything that *needs* to be seen. Most vets are pretty busy and will level with you over the phone if it's something straightforward and not life threatening. They can't charge you for the phone call...

Our vet's great - he usually tells us what it could be, what to try and "if that doesn't work, bring 'em in." He's usually right, so I trust he's not just trying to get our money, either.

Answer 9

Try to change his cat food, if you're giving him dry cat food give him wet cat food. And maybe the reason why he's ripping out his fur is maybe caused by something bothering him on his fur or around him.

Answer 10

if you really cared about ur cat you would take it to the vet no matter the price.