Oscar, The Grim Reaper
Oscar Cat of Death
The cat, who has lived at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation in Providence, Rhode Island since he was a kitten, normally wanders from room to room. But when a patient is hours from death Oscar remains at their bedside. If he is shut out he will scratch at the door until he is allowed in.
Professor David Dosa wrote about a day in the life of Oscar in The New England Journal of Medicine claiming that Oscar is the cuddlier, feline equivalent of the Grim Reaper.
Dosa says that Oscar’s presence at the bedside of severely ill patients is viewed by doctors and nurses alike as an almost absolute indicator of impending death.
The tale of Oscar is now available in a new book by Professor Dosa which expands on this compelling story.
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How cool is that? I know it sounds ominous, but it would be nice to know so that someone doesn’t have to die alone—ever.
Fascinating. I agree with Lin that it’s pretty damn cool knowing that there’s a cat who wants to be there with you at the end. Oscar is a good kitty.
James
http://zheist.blogspot.com
That’s amazing! We agree with Lin…it’s sad but so nice to know that Oscar is with people when they need him most.
Sniffie and the Florida Furkids
I read the article about Oscar the cat when when it first was in the New England Journal of Medicine. I am surprised that you call Oscar the feline “Grim Reaper”. The point of the article was that thanks to Oscar, relatives of these patients are able to get to them in time, as well as the idea that no one has to die alone.
I would like to read more about Oscar. I am curious as to how he knows.
Thanks for sharing this.
Best wishes
Anna