Comments:Cat in Rhode Island, USA nursing home 'senses death'

Is there any control? Does the cat ever curl up with someone not near death?

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That's creepy - keep that cat away from me. --SVTCobra 13:12, 26 July 2007 (UTC)

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Lame. It's a cat, of course it's always around. Booticon 14:29, 26 July 2007 (UTC)

that is quite creepy, keep it away from me!

weird man! ibby
 * Ernest Hemingway devotes almost an entire chapter to "The smell of death" in his book 'A Farewell to Arms' ... 'For Whom the Bell Tolls'. Now I feel creepy (and stupid!) for even mentioning it. -Edbrown05 02:55, 27 July 2007 (UTC)

Let's eat that cat!!!

Always Believed This
I have kept cats all my life, and I have always jokingly told my friends that they are "psychic." They are always able to sense when I feel distressed and innately know when I need comforting.

For this reason, Oscar's story didn't surprise me at all, although I believe the vet is right that there probably is a biochemical (not psychic) explanation. My guess is that they can smell the pheromones we give off by certain changes in mood and health.

From an evolutionary perspective, it would make sense that felines would develop this ability, because determining the sick and dying members of herds increases the odds of capturing a kill.

Regarding the comments above -- if you think about what I just said, there is nothing creepy about this, because it would have a scientific explanation. It is unfortunate that in today's society, people still seem to believe old medieval superstitions about cats. The truth is that they are very loving, empathic creatures. Note that the ancient Egyptians recognized this and thus worshipped them as deities. If you don't believe me, read the article Cats in Ancient Egypt.

Raphael s 20:20, 27 July 2007 (UTC)