Earlier this month, I wrote about the comfort of cats as pets. I have read dozens of stories about cats who helped the sick heal, cats who saved their owner's lives, funny cats, mean cats, sweet cats.
Today on MSN, I read this article about Oscar, a feline predictor of death. Oscar, a resident at a nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island, has a knack for knowing which patients are close to death, and then snuggling close to them as they near their time. He is accurate enough that staff calls the family when Oscar has chosen someone.
Some people think this is creepy, but I think it's sweet. What better way to leave this world and enter the next than with a warm, purring cat next to your side? If you don't care for cats, at least your family can be there in your last moments.
The animal behaviorist at Tufts University who is quoted in the article thinks Oscar's behavior could be linked to self-centered pleasures, such as a warm blanket, but I'd like to think there is more to it than that. Cats have a way of sensing things us mere humans can't feel or see. Oscar is blessed with a gift to comfort patients and their families in their time of need.
Today on MSN, I read this article about Oscar, a feline predictor of death. Oscar, a resident at a nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island, has a knack for knowing which patients are close to death, and then snuggling close to them as they near their time. He is accurate enough that staff calls the family when Oscar has chosen someone.
Some people think this is creepy, but I think it's sweet. What better way to leave this world and enter the next than with a warm, purring cat next to your side? If you don't care for cats, at least your family can be there in your last moments.
The animal behaviorist at Tufts University who is quoted in the article thinks Oscar's behavior could be linked to self-centered pleasures, such as a warm blanket, but I'd like to think there is more to it than that. Cats have a way of sensing things us mere humans can't feel or see. Oscar is blessed with a gift to comfort patients and their families in their time of need.
Posts
1 comment:
I read the same article and saw the cat on the news.
I agree with you I find it sweet and comforting.
I know when any of us are sick or not feeling well, two of our cats are right by the sick one.
Especially if it is me I have all three laying on or by me.
~Renae~
Post a Comment