Well, Perry, you got answers.  It could be a lot of different things.
Several of them aren't serious or expensive, and several of them could be
life threatening.  What's an exam fee run at your clinic?  At mine, it's
around $30.  For $30, your vet should be able to give you an idea if you're
in for a lot more $$$, or just a bit.

Corey

the usenet archives first.

Sorry for frustrating you. Weight loss when a cat is eating as usual is just
such a typical sign of illness, some serious, some not so. I am also sorry
about your financial situation, I have been there. She does need to see a
vet, though. There is just no way around it.

People are not trying to be insulting to you.  The problem is, no one can
diagnose anything from a distance; and *every* cat should be seen annually.
Just as I see a doctor regularly, I also take my cats in for routine exams.
It will be much less expensive for you -- and more "treatable" for the
cat -- if you catch potential problems early and not wait until progression
to a major problem.

Yes, I did read your statement that you are strapped for funds, and I am not
making light of it.  However, a cat that "seems normal" could still have
medical issues -- and the fact that you said she has lost several pounds
could be an important symptom.  "Several pounds" on a cat is a *very big*
change.  For example, you say that she has always been somewhat overweight.
So, if she weighs 15 pounds and has lost 3 for unexplained reasons, that
means a loss of 20 percent of her body weight.  Now, think about what that
would translate into if the same thing were to happen to you.  Surely you
would want to check with a physician even if you felt fine.  (And, it is
also important to recognize that your cat may not feel as well as you
presume.  Cats are well-known to hide pain and discomfort as long as
possible.)

MaryL

You know post like this really irritate me the sh.t out of me.  Obviously if
the cat is loosing weight then she needs seen by a vet.

Don't be like my idiot co-worker who for 2 months kept saying oh he's just
not eating as much.  I told her repeatedly to take the cat to the vets when
they don't eat or loose weight something is seriously wrong.  She always had
some damned excuse like --- I have to pay for Williams gymnastic classes
this month.  I'm sorry but her damned spoiled brat kit could have done
without the classes.  Instead she spent the money on her ungratefull little
bastard of a kid and the cat died from phenumonia.

My money might be tight to at times but when they are sick you find a way.
You don't make them wait and look to a newsgroup for answers that only your
vet can give you.  If I hurt your feelings too bad get over it and take the
cat to the vets like you should.

If you are short on funds then it's time you start setting aside money for
stuff like this.  I have 5 animals and I put money away every month so when
the time comes in an emergency I have the money.  If it's an extreme
emergency I have a line of credit that I use but I make sure they are taken
care of.

Celeste