Should I take this cat to the vet?

[Fluffycloudland77]

Usually I take him at the first sign something's wrong but he looks older than he is all of a sudden and he's lost a back claw then lost the new claw too. He's not licking it but he doesn't like me touching it.

He's eating, going out and sleeping the normal amount.

He is limping slightly and the local cats aren't scared of him anymore. One came in the house and ate his food.

He's covered in little scabs over his neck and face from fighting. They are leaving little bald patches when the scabs fall off.

He's not bombing around the house or running up the stairs like the Devils after him.

But, if I take him he will walk without a limp (he has form for hiding quite bad limps in front of the vet) and if he hasn't got a temperature they won't give him anything will they?.

Cats are quite good at hiding it when they're in pain, aren't they? He's been fighting and his paw/claw sounds dodgy so I'd say take him to be on the safe side.
I reckon he got a nasty beating in a street fight, the poor moggie.

Yes, you should take him.
There are at least half a dozen things that could beneficially be done for him. A thorough exam, bloods to check renal, liver and thyroid function, a dental check and maybe treatment esp if he's older, a careful look at the painful paw, maybe antibiotics (even if he's not feverish), painkillers, vitamins, rehydration...
He sounds sick and sore.

I would. My vet listens very carefully to descriptions of cats' behaviours at home. (They matter when an animal masks pain in front of strangers.)

I would. He'll be grateful in the long run. Hope you both feel better soon.

The fact that you are concerned I would, just for peace of mind. I hope he will be ok

Oh, poor asbo. I think I remember him having a bit of a limp a while back? And losing a claw then?

has a new cat moved into the neighbourhood?

I'd take him to the vets. Especially the bit about him not looking himself.

I'm not making light of your worries at all, and I hope he's ok, but Rubbish's comment about new cats reminded me of this....

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05tl3kb

John Maloney takes his cat Edward to the vet, and it cracked me up. If the link doesn't work it's on Iplayer, Radio 4, 12th May 11pm, a couple of minutes in!

If it's a good vet, they should be able to sort out the diagnostics for him.

Let us know how he gets on

I've booked him for tonight. Of course he's perked up no end

How typical hope he is ok

Oh dear fluffy cats are such a worry!

I reckon he is probably o.kay but for your peace of mind worth getting him checked out!

Infected area where the claw came off.

£91.

omg flipping cats!! At least you know you did the right thing.

Vet prices are ridiculous!!

The antibiotic was £25 because I opted for liquid so the cattery can administer it in his food.