Sorry I've been there- on the dole with a Furball needing attention and
unlike some people I don't take the line that if you can't guarantee
being able to pay vet bills for the next 20+ years you shouldn't give a
loving home to a cat- things happen. All the same it's been going on
for a year? Why haven't you done it sooner?

If you're in the UK there's a thing called the PDSA who can help free
of charge

In the US I gather most vets will agree a payment plan with you so talk
to them!

But get the cash to see a vet one way or another!!!!

A friend of mine many years ago was between jobs (He had one to start
two months later but at that time he had a sick cat and no income) so
he went to his bank manager and told them he was considering setting up
as a mini cab driver and needed a loan to buy a car...The bank manager
was a bit puzzled seeing as how he did have a job to go to and asked
him what he was really after , he glanced at the bank manager's desk
saw a picture of two lovely Meezers and decided to own up

The bank manager shrugged, told him not to tell lies and as he did have
another job to go to rather than give a loan, extended his overdraft
and wished the cat well

(I always cherish that story as proof that bank managers can sometimes
be Human as well|)

But seriously GET THE CAT TO A VET!!!

Lesley

Slave of the Fabulous Furballs

Hate to tell you, but the cat NEEDS to se a vet.  Could be something as
simple as internal parasites.  Could be diabetic, which if untreated, the
cat will starve to death, despite all you feed it.  Same with thyroid
issues.  Could also be cancer, again a horrible death for any cat to be ill
and not be treated.

Contact your local vets and see if anyone can work with you.  In the US,
there is also IMOM.org.

If you truly can not afford it, bring the cat to a shelter, where they will
decide if the cat can be treated, and if they can't, they will at least give
it a humane death.

Calling a vet in advance is a good idea.  Explain your situation.
They might give you a break on the exam fee, if they realize
how sick the cat is, and how tight your finances are.
 If not they might have other suggestions.
If you cannot afford actual treatment or labwork costs, at the
very least a thorough exam by the vet can help tell you
what you are dealing with, and generally an exam without
bloodwork or procedures won't be as expensive as the full
workup.

I'm sorry for your situation, and I know how difficult a dilemma
you are facing...but the reason for the emphatic responses
you are getting here is on account of the fact that many
folks here are grimly aware of the significance of a heart
murmur and weight loss in a cat.  It *is* often a serious
problem, and needs attention that can't really be obtained
anywhere else.

If you really cannot spare even the amount for a vet exam, then
the shelter option is one way to go.  Whatever you do,  please
try not to ignore the problem as kitty gets sicker and sicker...
it will be very painful for him and you to watch helplessly.

My sympathies go with you, and I pray you will get a lucky
break from the vet.  At least make that call.  Some of those
vets are softies at heart.  You might even find that some
staff member in the vet's clinic can't bear to hear of the situation
and might try to help out, personally or even by taking him
in.  As several folks on this group can testify....8^P

--tension

Please take the cat to the vet.    They will work out a payment
schedule.

A number of years ago my 19 year old cat lost alot of weight.   He was
about 15 pounds, dropped to about 5 pounds.   The vet suggested at
that time with his weight, heart issues, bowel problems developing,
that it was time to let him go.  

19 is pretty old for a cat, he had a good long life but it was time
to end his suffering.