This Doesn’t Pass the Smell Test
Since he was adopted by staff members as a kitten, Oscar the Cat has had an uncanny ability to predict when residents are about to die. Thus far, he has presided over the deaths of more than 25 residents on the third floor of Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence, Rhode Island. His mere presence at the bedside is viewed by physicians and nursing home staff as an almost absolute indicator of impending death, allowing staff members to adequately notify families. Oscar has also provided companionship to those who would otherwise have died alone. For his work, he is highly regarded by the physicians and staff at Steere House and by the families of the residents whom he serves.
Early on I was told if my mother says she loves me to trust, but verify. Would the NEJM really publish a story about a cat “predicting” death.
UPDATE:
@Diva, no kidding!
@PniDoc, thanks for commenting. I still don’t buy it. I accept that dogs can be TRAINED to smell for disease. Maybe predicting death isn’t that important to merit more research. I think it just sounds bogus.
AS weird as this seems, the same phenomenon has been reported in lesser journals for years. The “smell test” just might be the clue…
I saw this on Glenn Beck last night.
I’d be so totally freaked out I wouldn’t allow that cat anywhere near my room for fear he’d wander in and give me a heart attack when I really wasn’t close to death.