Oscar the Cat: Grim Reaper or Angel of Mercy?

Oscar, the handsome tortoiseshell cat, has a penchant for predicting death. Some call him a cuter, cuddlier version of the Grim Reaper while others prefer to think of him as an Angel of Mercy. Read the story below and tell us what you think!

Oscar resides at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island, a facility that cares for people with severe dementia. He was adopted by the staff in 2005 to make the Steere House a homier place and to provide a happy distraction for patients and visiting families. However, to everyone’s consternation, Oscar spent more time hiding or sunning himself than socializing with visitors or patients. In fact, he was quite aloof. After a year however, it became apparent that Oscar was destined for a more specialized role: comforting patients in their dying hours.

The staff began to notice that, in between catnaps, Oscar would make his rounds going from one room to another. He would poke his head in the doorway, peek at the patients and sniff the air. He rarely spent much time with anyone — except when they had just hours to live.

Image: Steere House

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Laurita W.

10:17AM PST on Mar 7, 2012

So nice when folks help each other out, regardless of species differences. What a good kitty, and I am glad that the home has his assistance in return for their giving him a home -- and apparently, a job. Hope he lives long and prospers in kitty joy.

send a green star

Tamago K.

10:01AM PST on Mar 3, 2012

Cute kitty :3 Meoooooow :)

Luna B.

12:54AM PST on Mar 3, 2012

I read about Oscar a few years back. In my country, he caused a uproar between animal rights activists and scientists. The scientists claimed Oscar did this because of the fact that when people are about to die, their body temperature raises slightly. Oscar was just looking for the warmth, they said. The activists didn't believe this, they stated Oscar really felt the Death coming. Which ever one it is, Oscar is simply amazing!

J.L. A.

9:27AM PST on Feb 28, 2012

Amazing!

Mel M.

12:58PM PST on Feb 25, 2012

Thanks

Lydia P.

10:32AM PST on Feb 25, 2012

Animals can detect the chemical changes in our bodies when things are not right such as epilepsy, diabetes, and even death. This cat is truly an Angel of Mercy and offers his comfort and moral support by his presence. How can people say that animals are less than humans or have no souls? This animal is under no social pressure to behave in this manner. He does it out of the goodness of his heart.

Jane R.

2:02PM PST on Feb 24, 2012

I heard about this cat years ago. How amazing.

Sonny H.

7:25AM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Touching story. Thanks!

Catsy D.

5:36PM PST on Feb 17, 2012

Touching. What an Awesome Feline Oscar is! Lotsa Love!

Maria P.

1:25PM PST on Feb 16, 2012

Very touching.