PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Oscar the cat has exhibited an uncanny knack for predicting when nursing home patients at the Steere House Nursing Center are going to die by curling up next to them during their final hours. His accuracy, observed in 25 cases, has led the staff to call family members once he has chosen someone. It usually means they have less than four hours to live.
Last night, Oscar curled up next to the TV when the Katie Couric CBS newscast was broadcast. A CBS News official speaking on condition of anonymity said the network is "preparing for the worst," and has notified friends and relatives of the news broadcast. "Oscar seems to know when a show is on its last legs," the source said. "He curled up next to the set the night Dan Rather aired that false report about Bush. And the funniest thing, he was with his owner on vacation at that comedy club the night Michael Richards had his meltdown."
When Ms. Couric learned of Oscar's apparent prediction, she blurted an expletive and stormed out of the room.
