cat not eating and hiding

Question
i have had two cats for 16 years mother and daughter momma cat has just been diagnosed with chin cancer and about 2 weeks ago my other cat stopped eating much and is always hiding and not being social does she know momma is dying

Answer
Hi Donna,

I'm sorry about your cat. I just had to put one of mine to sleep because of the same. From what my vet told me this is pretty common. I noticed a change from my cats too. I believe they can smell the change in the sick cat. She knows she has been to the vet and has come back with a whole bunch of strange odors. This is the most likely cause of her hiding. She is confused about her companion. Cats do notice when another is sick or has died. The best I can tell you is try to spend some quality time with the one that is upset. She will take it as hard as you when the other dies. I am really sorry that this is happening. Write back if you wish to talk more. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen