We have a semi-domesticated feral cat. He adopted us after the TNR (trap, neuter, release) program. So, he has had all his shots and tested for whatever they test for.
It is really hard to get him in a cage to take him to the vet, but we've done it twice. He gave him a shot that was an anti-biotic and steroid.
He got better for awhile, now he's losing weight again, doesn't have much of an appetite (he'll eat a little and we give him cat food gravy he'll drink).
Besides being real skinny & sluggish --he seems to be acting normal. His belly seems to be normal size though. Although, when he sits there sometimes he sways a little bit.
We were going to take him to the vet for blood tests, but we're broke & are looking for a place that will treat feral cats (maybe for free). I'm reading all this stuff on the internet & I'm thinking maybe it's a hookworm. However, there is no evidence in his stool. He was treated along time ( a year) ago for worms & we haven't seen any coming out his butt lately.
I'm afraid if we treat him for worms again we are wasting time. He also may have eaten something bad a month ago, maybe he has a fungal or bacterial infection.
Any ideas??
Keep in mind, the only reason we were able to get him to a vet before was that he was so sick he could hardly move. We tried again 2 weeks ago, but apparently he wasn't sick enough & evaded us (he's still got some feral instincts).
Thanks

You do not know how heart-warming it is to see others take such an interest in a needy animal.

Instances when I have had similar issues with cats have included when they are suffering from kidney failure after ingesting antifreeze (which was horrible!).

Look for other symptoms, including foul smelling breath and signs of dehydration (oily looking coat, and skin that "sticks" together when you pinch it). Does he act as if his mouth is sore or that he has a hard time swallowing? Is stool runny or especially bad smelling?--Telling your vet about some of these symptoms could be helpful.

One cat I have has a mouth condition that requires me to put his wet food in a blender, because it seems painful for him to chew (a side effect of a common cat virus run amok.). We use the pate style canned food, with one can of water added for each can of food. As crazy as it sounds, it keeps him eating and hydrated.

I know it's so difficult, but do try to get him to the vet. Have you tried to grab him in a very big bath towel (You would need to wrap him very tightly to protect yourself from being clawed)? Or how about a safe trap (our County will lend them out)?

Best of luck to you and your tom-cat.