What if a cat could predict when someone was about to pass away?
It sounds like the plot of a mystical movie, but for Oscar, a feline resident at Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island, it was simply a part of his daily rounds.
For 17 years, this unassuming piebald cat comforted the dying, offering them quiet companionship in their final hours.
It wasn’t long before the staff at Steere House noticed something remarkable–Oscar only sought out patients who were at the very end of life, curling up beside them as if standing vigil.
In over 100 cases, his predictions were eerily accurate… Here’s what we know about Oscar!
The Mysterious Beginnings of a Special Cat
When Oscar arrived at Steere House in 2005, he wasn’t exactly the social butterfly of the feline world.
He was aloof, preferred solitude, and often sought refuge in supply closets or under beds. Unlike the other therapy cats, he had little interest in receiving affection from residents or staff. But then, something changed.
Oscar began making unexpected visits to certain patients, settling down beside them in bed or sitting by their window.
What seemed like random feline behavior soon revealed a pattern: within hours of his visits, the residents he chose to spend time with would pass away.
At first, the staff thought it was a coincidence. Once it happened 20, then 30, then over 100 times, they knew Oscar possessed an extraordinary ability.
So reliable was his sense that when Oscar settled with a patient, the staff would call their family, giving them precious time to say goodbye.
The Explanation Behind the Special Ability
The question that perplexed doctors, researchers, and pet lovers alike was: how did Oscar know when death was near?
Dr. David Dosa, a geriatrician at Steere House, speculated that Oscar might be detecting biochemical changes in the body. As cells begin to break down, they release specific scents that animals with heightened senses–like cats–might be able to perceive.
Similar to how dogs can sniff out cancer, Oscar may have had a keen ability to sense when the body was shutting down.
Others believe there may be a deeper, more intuitive connection at play. Some even likened him to a spiritual guardian, offering solace to those transitioning from life.
Regardless of the scientific explanations, Oscar’s presence brought comfort, not fear.
Families expressed gratitude for his silent companionship, finding peace in the idea that their loved ones weren’t alone in their final moments.
The Enduring Legacy of the Extraordinary Gift
Over the years, Oscar’s story gained worldwide attention. Dr. Dosa chronicled his incredible gift in his book, Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat.
In 2022, after 17 years of service, Oscar passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, mystery, and comfort.
Though no other cat has been documented with such an ability, Oscar’s story reminds us of the profound ways animals can touch our lives–even in death.
Whether you believe Oscar had a scientific gift, a spiritual calling, or simply a unique habit, one thing is undeniable: he made a difference. And in the end, isn’t that what truly matters?
How about other cat lovers out there? Have you noticed any special abilities from your feline besties?
