I can understand your distrust w/doctors; a lot of people feel that way. However, we as humans can talk and voice our concerns and let others know when we're sick and what's hurting, etc. Animals have no voice so a good vet is an absolute necessity. Others have posted lots of good info about finding a good vet but if you have friends who have pets, ask them for a referral. You've had your cat for about a year you say, so it's past time to get him checked out completely. Probably whatever is wrong can be corrected easily but the longer you put off taking him in, the worse it can get if it does turn out to be something that he would need medication for. Don't be scared. Be brave for your cat. That way you'll have him for years to come and you owe it to him to give him a healthy life. It'll be fine. Take him to a vet w/out delay. Then hopefully you can post and tell us what the vet said and say "Whew! I was worried for nothing."