7 month old cat, hard time walking, getting worse, fast breathing, what's wrong?

Question

Even from the time he was born (February), he wasn't a very active kitten. He never acted lethargic or anything, he was very attentive and awake, he just didn't run around a lot. I thought it was just the way he is, but it's been getting worse and worse. He's very uncoordinated, when he jumps down even from a very low height, he sprawls out everywhere, doesn't even come close to landing on his feet. He breathes very quickly, not quite irregular, but it is noticeable, another strange trait he's had since he was a kitten, even when in a deep sleep. He still has an appetite, but he went from walking around and exploring the backyard a little bit to not at all, he just finds a spot and doesn't move. When I'd go out to feed the cats, they would all run to the food, as did he, but now he just lays there. It seems to be his back legs that are the problem. He's very long-limbed and at first I thought he was just clumsy and awkward because of it and just had to grow into his legs, but I know that isn't it. What's wrong with him? I don't have the money to take him to a vet unless I know for sure I can just spend some on a necessary shot to fix this problem; I can't afford something huge; my only other option is to try and make his remaining days as comfortable as I can. He's definitely getting worse.

Answer 1

He definitely needs to go to the vet and be checked out, you can't take any chances with his health.  Hope you find out what's wrong.

Answer 2

sounds like distemper

Answer 3

take him to the vet ....it could be something your other cats could catch  

Answer 4

I am very sorry you are both going through this.  :(

But what an interesting/perplexing question.  Unfortunately, you already know that this is not something anyone is going to be able to diagnose for you here and perhaps not even at the vets without investing a bit of time and $$ into.  

It could be something as simple as a severe infestation of worms to a viral infection, Feline Leukemia, Feline Aids - a congenital Heart defect or Neurological  disorder to ....  ????  Sometimes these things are treatable or manageable or not.  But one thing IS for sure, you will not ever know and your kitty is not going to thrive with out some sort of medical intervention on your part.  

You should at least get a check up and see what the vet says.  You helped him on your own for 7months, so I know you love him.  And he must be a fighter so give him a chance.   Good Luck.  If you ever find out what it was, let me know.    :)