This is a very frustrating and distressing time for you, and one that many of us have shared. My instinct would be to keep her inside because I would be afraid of her being taken by wildlife when she was too weak to fight - that's Mother Nature at work, but not the way you want to lose her. Along with baby food, I've had good success with honey-roasted turkey breast slices from the deli and cheesecake.

My Ginger cries when I pick her up (she's 20) but her check-ups are excellent also. They found no signs of arthritis, no masses, and, of course, she didn't cry out once while the vet checked her out. It seems to be more grumpiness than anything else so I just hope for the best.

I was going to suggest hyperthyroidism for the weight loss, but then she would have an extreme appetite.

It's good that she has found a place where she likes to be and that you are willing to make it "her place". She must find it very comforting to be in the closet.

While she is obviously miserable right now, I believe she will give you "that look" when she really doesn't want to live in her body any more. It may be something that she just has to fight her way through and we'll all hope that's the case.