A day in the life of oscar the cat

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Oscar the Cat, a feline known for his ability to predict the deaths of residents in a nursing home. Participants explore the implications of his presence, the reactions of staff and families, and the cultural perceptions surrounding such phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note Oscar's reputation as a predictor of death, highlighting the emotional significance of his presence for both staff and families.
  • One participant humorously refers to Oscar as the "Angel of Death," suggesting a cultural interpretation of his role.
  • Another participant raises a concern about the potential for harm, referencing a hypothetical situation where a patient might react violently towards the cat.
  • A participant shares a personal anecdote about their own cat's behavior, drawing a parallel to Oscar's actions.
  • Several participants mention previous discussions about Oscar, indicating ongoing interest and engagement with the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of fascination and humor regarding Oscar's role, but there is no consensus on the implications of his behavior or the cultural interpretations surrounding it. The discussion remains largely exploratory without definitive conclusions.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal anecdotes and cultural perceptions, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion includes speculative elements regarding reactions to Oscar's presence.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the intersection of animal behavior, cultural beliefs about death, and personal anecdotes related to pets may find this discussion engaging.

gravenewworld
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http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/4/328

Note: 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.
 
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Too bad some patient killed the cat, thinking it were the harbinger of death.
 
"hello cute little kitt..aaarggh... cough cough... gurgle......."
:wink:
 
lisab said:
Yikes! That kitty is the Angel of Death :eek:!

What if a doctor went into one of the patients rooms, sat down to read the patients chart, and the cat jumped into her lap and started purring?

Personally, I'd probably have a heart attack.

smiley_2005_death_opt.gif
 
My cat has been spending a LOT of time next to me lately. :eek:
 

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