A cat at a nursing home? ..yes, this one predicts death.....believe it...or not....?

Question

Here is something that would be of interest to matured persons (ie aka senior citizens).

It was reported that a cat, named Oscar, raised at a nursing home would curl up with a patient who would die within two hours. So far, he has been right in 25 cases. The report is at the url below -

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070725/ap_on_fe_st/death_cat

He would do so not any earlier - just about two hours before only, as one case showed.

Would you agree to pets at nursing homes?
Do you have similar pet stories/experience?
Weird, huh?

(There is a pic of the cat - really cute and loveable.)

What do you think of such a cat?
What causes it to behave so?
What do you think about such a happening - anything at all!

Answer 1

Did you also know that cats and dogs can smell things like cancer? Sense when a person is going to have a seizure and alert them to take their meds?

Research is being done on pets "pestering" people by head butting them constantly, in their breast as an example and then the person discoved they had breast cancer.

I have suffered from chronic breast abscesses and had 5 surgeries in a year to remove the infection and surrounding tissue - prior to each surgery my cat would be head butting me.

After surgery he would come and check it out, IF it was ok he would just lie down and purr - HOWEVER three times he was NOT happy with the results, and sure enough within days I developed ANOTHER infection in the wound --

As far as I know there has been no research on cats detecting cancer or infections in people. But Fat Cat is proof that they can. If your pet is pestering you and concentrating on one area of your body - get a check up.

Answer 2

What an amazing story! Oscar, the "furry grim reaper." This is awesome but, if I were living in that nursing home, Oscar started towards me...not sure I would want him curling up next to me! LOL!! And all the Seniors say...here he comes....run!

Seriously, I agree with pets not just in a nursing home but, Children's hospitals too! These guys are pretty sharp and sense things we do not! But, I think we can all agree that a pet can surely put smiles on faces.

Thanks for sharing about "Oscar."

Answer 3

Animals can smell storms and they can certainly smell death but what makes Oscar so special is that he stays instead of running away (the natural reaction in an animal). He is indeed the most compassionate of cats and deserves the article he is going to get in the NEJM.

Pets such as rabbits, cats and small dogs on site in assisted living facilities, rehabilitation facilites and long term care facilities is becoming the norm as there is a mountain of medical evidence supporting the practice. Physically they help to reduce blood pressure; mentally they help to keep up the spirits (apart from the human caregivers, these animals are for many the only visitors they get). These facilities can't keep larger dogs on site but in many areas there are people who bring their dogs on the rounds of facilities (with the permission of the facility, of course, after the dog has been examined to make sure his/her personality is suitable to the task). What joy people get from these visits!

Answer 4

Oscar is, indeed, a kindred spirit! What a lovely animal soul.

It is not uncommon for animals to know these things. Goodness, there have been so many instances of animals predicting heart attacks, epileptic seisures and the like in their owners.

They are not hindered by our notions of the world we live in, they see things as they are. Oscar obviously feels it is his calling to bring comfort to those who are about to pass beyond this realm, so they will not be alone.

I absoloutely agree that nursing homes (and children's hospitals) benefit from having animals.

Indeed, studies have shown that pets are beneficial to people who live alone, and those who have pets often fare better against depression.

My own cat, Lilo, was born within a few days of the passing of my beloved cat, Teddy, to a freak accident on Feb 14, 2005. But it was not until 6 months later that Lilo would come to me thru my daughter, and a distance of over 5000 miles. He is so much like Teddy, although they look nothing remotely alike, but personality wise, yes. He is my dear companion, and I have felt many times that this is not our first lifetime together.

Answer 5

Yes isn't that great, so to speak. Animals have a keen perception, that people don't. My dog,( now past) knew when I
was out of sorts and was always there for me, and kept me sane when times were ruff. They know when earthquakes, and tital waves are coming, it's like a sixth cense. The people are so far along, that they don't even know that the cat is there, or that it is doing this. But at least the cat cares enought to stay and comfort the patient, whatever the outcome. Kuddo's to the cat.

Answer 6

I saw this on the news. Animals are very perceptive and this cat is a good example.
My Pomeranian can predict when I am going to get sick before I know it. She has a certain way of laying her head on my chest and cuddling that I have learned to recognize and sure enough, the next day I'm under the weather. She also can tell when and where I'm bruised or aching and will lick the area on my foot, arm, leg, finger joint.
There are dogs that can tell when their master is going to have a seizure. Some can recognize cancer. Animals make wonderful companions and helpers.

Answer 7

I can believe that. I have heard stories of cats getting off their marks, just before the blitz's hit London. Then coming back to a bombed out house. Also before the tsunami hit Sri Lanka, all the animals headed for the higher ground, even
the Elephants broke their chains. Animals have a sense we don't have. At least not in
that way, good question, have a star.

Answer 8

Animals don't have the Ego perception like humans do. They
deal or think in the now reality, they don't have the fear of
leaving there present existance through death of the body
like humans....and that is what were talking about here.
Death of the body, not the ESSENCE or SOUL of a being.
Animals like this that sense it are getting messages from
the Essence which knows it is about to seperate from the
human formed of matter. They are there in love to help them go through that transition with ease. Essence is eternal and
returns to where it originate = it is a passing into another
frequency of vibration that resonates faster and is not solid
and dense....There is nothing to fear in passing but the fear created in our minds from belief systems that misinform. The
cat is also made of the same Field of Energy and it's essance incarnated to walk this path of assisting humanity
(it's part of that essance's path to enlightenment)
and yes I collect SS too

Answer 9

Oscar is a wonderful cat & I read the story earlier.
Animals are noted for being able to sense things before they happen-like tornadoes, earthquakes, master's moods & pain. My corgi is very perceptive to my moods & illnesses too as are most animals. We don't have they senses they do and we don't, usually, take the time to REALLY learn about our pets.

Answer 10

A lot of nursing homes keep pets for the residents.The pets roam around and get to know everyone pretty well.I'll bet this kind of thing has happened in other nursing homes,but no one has alerted the press.