I can't say I'm surprised given how there are dogs that have been trained to sniff out skin cancer and other health problems. When my wife was on bed rest during her pregnancy, our cat Winston never left her side. Cats definitely seem to have an innate sense when someone isn't well.

Meanwhile, Winston continues to sleep in our bed at night a few times a week. So far, so good. :-)

Sent by andy carvin | 1:50 PM ET | 07-26-2007

This story didn't surprise me. My husband, David, and I married in 2000. When we moved in together I brought my cat, Crackers, with me. David (a life-long "dog person") had been trying to make friends with Crackers for almost a year, but the cat remaind loyal only to me. That's why we were so surprised one Sunday afternoon (just days before our first anniversary) when Crackers suddenly took an interest in David. The cat started following him around the house and insisted on being in David's lap. At one point, Crackers was literally circling David when he sat on the edge of the bed. Moments later, David began to complain of an ache in his back between his shoulder blades and fullness and pressure in his chest, and I could see that he suddenly started perspiring heavily and appeared to be having trouble breathing. It was obvious that David was in distress, so I got him into the car and rushed him to the hospital.

Sure enough, the doctors at the hospital told me my new husband was having a heart attack and would need emergency surgery.

I'm happy to report that my dear husband recovered from what we now refer to as his "big adventure" and he is doing very well today.

After David came home from the hospital and we were reflecting on those moments before he fell ill, we agreed that Crackers' sudden change in behavior could only mean that the cat could sense that David was about to have, or was having, the heart attack.

Naturally, since that "big adventure," David and "Dr." Crackers have been great friends.

Sent by Katie Winter | 11:07 PM ET | 07-26-2007

I'm wondering of the possibility that it's not so much that Oscar is a psychic cat, but his presence is such a comfort to these people in their last moments, holding on out of fear...not able to let go. Oscar the cat comes along, paying his visit, with his warmth and soft purr. There is such comfort felt with the presence of animals...a complete relaxing and release of anxiety. Maybe Oscar does help them to let go.

Sent by Kristina | 9:14 PM ET | 07-27-2007

kinda natural. when we are sick we speak, hurt we cry, compassionate, we reach out. we communicate understandably with each other. animals have only instinct. intuition and their senses are all they have to describe the world to themselves. The intensity of the metaphysical changes that occur prior to death are im sure perceivable by the sense of an animal who relies wholly on not just human like senses, but extrordinary abilities of perception and the nature of SURVIVAL...all beings most basic instinct. im just glad, like the great psychics of russia, that this being has really served man kind, if not for its morbid bell toll, then for its ability to bring swift closure to the lives of those left in the wake of its sashay down the halls of that R.I. nursing home.

Sent by Elizabeth Wisnieski | 12:42 AM ET | 07-28-2007

My cat, Gepetto, was found in the street during a summer festival as a little kitten. Had I not picked him up, taken him home, drowned the fleas that infested his body, he probably would have died there in the street, and he know that.
Fifteen years later, Gepetto is still with me. He has been with me in times of illness, offering me the only thing he can, his purr, his love, his gratitude for my having saved his life. During a recent hospital stay, I was sure that Gepetto was practicing "Out of Body" astral travel, as I often sensed him curled up beside my thigh, just within reach for a good scrach on the back, as always, me being sick or not. I do the same for him when he does not feel well.
If only we allowed ourselves to sense as these animals sense, we could do it, but have our attention elsewhere. How wonderful it is that we have pets to get us through.
peace,
revel

Sent by Revel Arroway | 3:10 AM ET | 07-28-2007

This is old new to me and many other Africans, I believe. Cats are mysterious creatures. In cameroon most people keep cats for this reason - to alert them if something bad is about to happen.
Tyrolt Ngole

Sent by tyrolt | 12:17 AM ET | 07-30-2007