Volume 33, Number 43
November 23, 2008
Cat Scan
To hear some people tell it, Oscar the cat has nine lives and six
senses, including an extra one that tells him when people are about to
die.
A fixture at the Steere Nursing Home in Providence, Rhode Island,
Oscar is usually disdainful of human contact. But staff say every time
he cuddles up beside a resident, that person dies within four hours.
“Oscar has successfully predicted 25 deaths,” says Dr. David Dosa, a
geriatrics specialist and university instructor. “He missed only one.
And in that instance, two deaths occurred simultaneously.”
Theories abound as to why the two-year old grey and white cat is so
in tune with dying residents. Some observers think Oscar detects subtle
changes in their bodies which tell him the end is near. According to
cat behaviour specialist Marilyn Krieger, it’s possible felines use
their keen sense of smell to pick up on those changes. Cats “need to be
able to detect when another animal is sick,” she speculates. “This
ability is part of their nature, part of their survival.”
Dr. Dosa doesn’t disagree, citing studies showing that dogs can smell
cancer or predict when an epileptic seizure is on the way. Though some
pet owners have claimed their animals could see death coming, none of
those claims has been examined, and no animal has Oscar’s proven record.
But sceptics have another explanation for his uncanny ability.
Scientists and those who study animal behaviour say it’s possible Oscar
is simply imitating the behaviour of staff members who give special care
to the dying. Others say he’s simply conditioned to make bedside visits
to the dying by the extra attention he gets each time he does.
Perhaps, but Dr. Dosa is unconvinced because the fickle feline keeps
almost entirely to himself except when residents are dying. “This cat
is not that friendly,” says the physician. “This is not a cat that
walks between people’s legs purring.” In fact, if Oscar visits a
resident and it’s not quite time for death’s arrival, he seems to sense
it and comes back later.
But regardless of the animal’s motivation, Oscar has his fans who say
it’s truly remarkable that he makes a conscious decision to be with
those about to pass away. “It’s a very spiritual kind of thing to watch
the cat provide comfort to people who otherwise would die alone,” says
Dr. Dosa. For his efforts, Oscar has received a plaque from a local
hospice, honouring his service.
Among Christians, there needs to be a similar compulsion to serve the
dying — the spiritually dying who are separated from God by lack of
knowledge, apathy or neglect. Rather than ignoring or judging those who
don’t share our faith, or trying to force it upon them, we should do
what Oscar does and simply come alongside to offer what we can. In
Hebrew, the word encouragement means precisely that, “to come
alongside”.
Depending on circumstances, encouragement might entail comfort,
support or even a gentle warning wrapped in humility and concern. But
whatever the need, it’ll be received best if it’s offered from
alongside, not from above — looking down on them — or from a distance
where we don’t have to get too involved or overly uncomfortable.
We can learn this ability by taking our cues from other Christians
who serve others consistently and sacrificially. But ultimately, we
must grow more attuned to our sixth sense, the prompting of the Holy
Spirit who shows us those who have needs we can meet. “If we’re now
living by the Holy Spirit,” says Paul, “let us follow [his]
leading in every part of our lives.” (Galatians 5:25). The result
will be “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”(v. 23).
Those things are necessary in each one of our relationships. But we
must be especially careful to share them with those who desperately need
to see God through us, before the end comes. So make your service a
conscious choice. Make it count. Make it soon. Unlike the proverbial
cat, we have only one life.
By Rick Gamble. Published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of
the followers of Christ congregation in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.
Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications. To subscribe to this
free weekly article, send a note to Rick at
rgamble@bfree.on.ca