cat dying?

Question
I went to "ask a vet" in allexperts and saw that they were either all maxed out or on vacation so i need someone to help me! Hopfull you can give me any ANY kind of insight.
I have an outdoor cat named Racer who is a black fluffy, lovable, male cat. Sort of like the neighborhood cat though.
He use to be a fat cat, but out of no where he lost a lot of weight really fast! In no more then two weeks i can see his ribs and hips along with his spin! He looks sickly! I put food and water out there thinking he just needs more food but he wont touch it. He just lays on our porch meowing at us when we walk out. I noticed now that he is also loosing hair. Im hating to think this way, but i think he's dying! What do you think?
I cant take him to the vet cause i have no money....

Answer
Hi,

Unfortunately in this situation, there is no substitute for a vet's visit.  Outdoor cats are exposed to so many things that can cause a variety of health problems.  More than likely he either has a feline specific disease or an infection.  Loss of weight and appetite are symptoms that require an IMMEDIATE vet visit.  Contact your local shelter for some referrals of low-cost vet clinics.  You must take him to a vet immediately, or he is more than likely going to suffer a slow, painful death.  And for future reference, not to sound preachy, but if you can't afford to take a pet for vet care, you should refrain from taking on such a responsibility until such time that you can afford to do so.  Pets are an expensive, lifetime commitment, and should never be in situations where they are forced to suffer.  I wish you the very best, and hope his condition isn't too far gone at this point.  Please let me know what the vet finds.  

Best regards,

Holly M.