Rhode Island Cat Stuns Care Home Staff With His Ability To Sense When Someone Is Near The End
Cats have always amazed us with their remarkable senses, the very traits that make them such skilled hunters in the wild.
Yet, beyond their sharp instincts, many cat lovers believe our feline friends can sense when something is wrong, especially when a person is unwell.
They may not understand illness in the way humans do, but they often pick up on subtle changes in scent, energy, or behaviour. I’ve seen this myself.
When my grandmother experienced a stroke and lost mobility in her left arm, her cat began curling up beside that arm every day, as if she knew where comfort was needed most.
But one cat, in particular, seemed to take this extraordinary ability even further: a remarkable feline named Oscar.
Oscar lived at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre in Providence, Rhode Island, where he became known for his incredible sense of awareness. From the time he was just six months old, staff noticed something very unusual about him.
He appeared to have an instinct for recognising when patients were approaching the end of their journey.
In his time at Steere House, Oscar was said to have quietly comforted dozens of residents in their final hours. His story became famous around the world, earning him the affectionate nickname of the “therapy cat with a sixth sense.”
Where Did Oscar Come From?
Oscar began life as a stray before being rescued and adopted by the nursing home in 2005. At first, he didn’t seem like the type of cat who would thrive in a care setting. He wasn’t particularly cuddly or outgoing, preferring to keep to himself most of the time.
Yet, each day, he made his quiet rounds through the dementia ward, checking on around forty patients. The staff grew used to seeing him wander in and out of rooms, but what happened next left everyone astonished.
One day, Oscar entered a resident’s room and settled by their bedside. He stayed there for hours, purring softly and refusing to leave. The next morning, the patient peacefully passed on.
At first, staff thought it was a coincidence, but then it happened again, and again. Whenever Oscar chose to stay beside someone, that person would soon be nearing the end of their life.
Dr David Dosa, an assistant professor of medicine at Brown University who worked closely with Steere House, described Oscar’s gentle presence in an interview:
“He only stays with the patients if they really are at the end of life, if the family doesn’t object. He will come into a room and jump on the windowsill and sit there for hours on end. Occasionally he will jump on the bed and curl up next to a patient and he’ll be there until the very end.”
A Comforting Presence
While some described Oscar’s behaviour as mysterious, most saw it as an incredible act of compassion.
Doctors believe he may have been able to detect subtle chemical changes released by the body in those final stages, something far beyond the reach of human senses.
Whatever the explanation, Oscar brought comfort to countless patients and their families. His calm, gentle company offered a sense of peace when it was needed most.
Oscar remained a beloved member of the Steere House community for many years, spending his days surrounded by the staff and residents who adored him.
In 2022, this extraordinary cat peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and quiet grace.
His story continues to remind us of the special bond between humans and animals, one built on empathy, connection, and love that transcends words.
So, what do you think? Was Oscar’s ability something unique to him, or could every cat have this quiet sensitivity hidden beneath their whiskers?
Perhaps it’s a little of both. Oscar may have had a rare gift, but at his heart, he was simply a loving cat who understood how to be there when someone needed comfort most. And honestly, who wouldn’t want a friend like that by their side?
