Is there something wrong with my cat, or am I freaking out for nothing?
Hi. My cat, Jake, is an 11 year old long haired male. He has always been an affectionate, loving cat. About 2 weeks ago, he started acting a little weird. I noticed that he hasn't been eating as much as he normally does and he has lost weight. I can feel his spine. He is constantly tired and sleeping majority of the day. He also has become even more 'clingy' with me than usual. He follows me everywhere. If I go to the bathroom, he's on the counter next to me trying to get on my shoulders or getting me to pet him. As soon as I start to walk he stops me, jumps up on my arm and waits for me to carry him. Same everywhere. When I'm sitting or laying anywhere, he's right there. He has to be laying on me or at least touching me no matter what. He also lays against my chest and 'hugs' me, then licks my ear lobes and neck. And he has to rub his head all over my face even when I'm sleeping. When he is done, he curls up and goes back to sleep. When he is awake, he has been somewhat walking different and slower, but not all the time. He also sometimes bullies my other cat, who is a 4 year old female. Every once in awhile he will sit by the hall closet door and meow or howl so I will let him in. after he's in there, he sits by the water heater for a minute then comes out. He also sometimes throws up or coughs up what appear to be hairballs. He sneezes or sniffles sometimes as well.
I'm really nervous and scared. This cat is my life. He isn't a cat to me, he's my baby. He means everything to me, plus some. I, currently, am unemployed and have been for about 8 months now. As a result, I don't have the money to take him to the vet. I don't have anyone to help me or even be there for me. I'm so distraught over this and I don't know what to do.
I haven't stopped crying and thinking about this. I really hope that I'm over reacting because he's all I have left. Please help me with this, if you can. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.