An Extraordinary Cat Is Still at Work

Abstract

Oscar looked like your average cute, cuddly cat, with his tiger-stripes and furry white tummy. But, make no mistake, Oscar was no ordinary cat when he became world famous 3 years ago. That's when a New England Journal of Medicine perspective by David Dosa, MD, claimed that over 2 years Oscar had predicted 25 deaths at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence, R.I., where Dr. Dosa is medical director and Oscar still lives (N. Eng. J. Med. 2007;357:328-9). While some have since called Oscar a grim reaper, Dr. Dosa, staff, and residents think of the friendly feline as family. “Oscar makes the facility seem more like a home. No one wants to end up in a nursing home, but once you get here, it doesn't have to be institutional,” said Dr. Dosa, who has now authored the book “Making Rounds With Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat” (New York: Hyperion, 2010). Oscar had been at the facility only about 6 months before staff began to suspect his “gift.” He would seem to make rounds, visiting rooms and sniffing and observing the residents. Staff noticed that he would show particular interest in certain residents at certain times, curling up with them. These turned out to be residents who would die within hours of this attention. While few people at Steere House question Oscar's gift, most animal experts suggest that the cat's special interest in dying residents has more to do with a specific odor that their condition produces. The cat's bedside vigil is more difficult to explain. Some animal behavior experts suggest that he might be mimicking the behavior of staff and family who spend time sitting with dying patients. Others wonder if he isn't just attracted by the warmth of heated blankets or extra comforters placed on the beds of these residents. While Oscar is special, there have been other stories about animals that predict death or illness. For example, a schnauzer named Scamp has held bedside vigils with dying residents. He even has been witnessed to get agitated when death is imminent. “I suspect that these animals may be able to detect an odor such as cadaverine that triggers an instinct,” said Texas-based medical director and AMDA past president David Smith, MD, CMD. “Possibly, it's a protective behavior, but I—d be very reluctant to anthropomorphize and suggest that an animal is sympathetic or protective by nature.” There have been stories of dogs that can detect cancerous tumors. Also, some owners of dogs that have been trained to provide assistance to people say the animals can warn them of a seizure up to an hour before it happens. The dogs paw, bark, and circle, and the person may then lie down for safety. While Oscar is an international celebrity, he is simply a welcome presence and a good friend to many of the Steere House residents. “Oscar is on a dementia unit,” said Dr. Dosa, “and there have been plenty of instances where people—many of whom weren't animal lovers before they got ill—will light up when he comes around and seem to take comfort from his company.” He added that even some residents who have lost their ability to talk will interact with Oscar in ways that astound family members. Perhaps Oscar's greatest gift is that his story has helped open a dialogue about death, said Dr. Dosa. “We don't like to talk about these things,” he said. “Even physicians often don't like to talk about end of life. I think Oscar's story is allowing a discussion where there wasn't one before.” Oscar's story also has brought focus to what families go through when a loved one dies. This is an important message for the care team, said Dr. Dosa. “Physicians and other care providers need to know that it's not just about taking care of the patient, but we really have a responsibility to help caregivers through this difficult time as well.” Whatever Oscar's gifts, he still lives and does his job of providing companionship at a nursing home. Said Dr. Dosa, “Oscar came here because we were looking for a cat and he was cute. He is an ordinary cat. He does everyday ordinary things. But he is special.” Senior contributing writer Joanne Kaldy is a freelance writer in Harrisburg, Pa., and a communications consultant for AMDA and other organizations.