While a cats sense of smell is amazing I also feel they poses a different level of awareness and like most animals, are in touch with abilities that humans have long-lost or pushed aside. A biological explanations is offered as to how a cat could know someone is dying, that Oscar is simply able to detect the chemical compounds given off by the body as an odor as cells die. The story demonstrates the benefit of animal companionship to elderly people and how animals are aware of much more than we give them credit for. Oscar wasn’t right every time, but his presence was a predictor of death so many times that the media created headlines like “ If Oscar’s in your bed, you’re dead!” Some patients and families embraced the comfort that Oscar brought to them in their final hours or days, and some wanted him shut out of the room. While the idea of death is not a happy one, the story is very uplifting and positive in its message which is made clear as you read. The book chronicles the experiences of patients at the nursing home and the interactions they have with Oscar, who foretells their passing with a visit. Dosa and the staff at the nursing home realize that Oscar is not just randomly picking patients to visit, but has a clear motive.
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