Oscar, who was adopted into the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island when he was a kitten, has demonstrated repeatedly that he knows when an Alzheimer's or dementia patient on the 3rd floor unit is about to die. Although not generally a social cat, when Oscar senses that a resident is about to die, he goes into their room, curls up on the bed, and stays there until the end. Because of this ability, Oscar is considered a member of the hospice team for Steere House. Dr. Dosa, the author of this book, isn't a cat fancier by any means and it took a while for him to appreciate the gift that Oscar gave the staff--they were able to notify the family that they needed to come to the nursing home to be with their family member in their last hours. This book began as an article in the New England Journal of Medicine and it not only describes Oscar's gifts, but also describes Dr. Dosa's work in treating patients with dementia. A quick and moving read.

I was hesitant to read this book because I'm not a cat person. Not that I don't like cats but I'm allergic to them and can't stand the smell of kitty litter. Anyways, this really isn't a cat book. Yes, it's about a cat but really the story is about dementia. I learned a lot about this disease and really loved the story. I've always thought that animals have a sixth sense about things and this book confirms it. It's a true story, by the way. I would recommend it to anyone to read!

*Edited*

Apparently, this book just made me terrified of dementia.

*books 94 - 2014 *

saya akan memberikan kisah kucing oscar ini dengan rating 2,9 dari 5 bintang!
tadinya saya berekspektasi lebih pada ceritanya ttg seekor kucing yang nengetahui detik2 menjelang meninggal pasien demensia..

ceritanta lumayan, standar sih klo dibilang. saya lebih tergugah dengan kisah kucing cleo daripada ini.. lumayanlah dibaca untuk waktu senggang..

I really, really enjoyed this book. Again, it was another quick read - I think I read it in a couple of hours. It was fascinating, however, to read -- as much for this cat's intuition of patients' impending deaths as it was fascinating to read about the dimentia patients' lives and disease. I recommend for anyone who loves cats or just needs a feel good pick me up story.

If only nursing homes could be more like this one... And doctors for that matter.

This is such a wonderful book. It has so many wonderful stories not just about Oscar who is amazing but about the families he "helps". Also many insights about end of life realities and decisions. I loved it.

A very simple book to read. Besides the story of Oscar, David Dosa also gives insight to Alzheimers - how the disease affects the families as well as the person. Everyone who needs a nursing home should have a place like this available to them. I pray no one I know ever does.

(Spoilers)

Taken literally this book is about a cat who recognises when a patient is about to demise. However, it is so much more. Dr. Dosa may not write in poetic prose but -his simplistic and straightforward style helps to highlight the tender manner is which he approaches dementia and death. It highlights the journey that the patient and their family sets upon from diagnosis till death. His retelling of these life stories is delicate and beautiful- further showing his interpretation of humanity. This is a book that offers closure whilst providing you with the company of a cat. Oscar would be proud.