Have you ever noticed that sometimes your cat will know when you are on your way to do something in the house, and they will intercept you on your way so that they can get some more cat food? AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Whether cats can understand that you are sad in the way we humans understand sadness, researchers just don't know. Experts Weigh In, Are Black Cats More Vocal? In the later stages, the cat might miscarry and develop maternal behaviors and instincts -up to the development of milk and pacing or crying, looking for its kittens. Much like the response to fear, this is likely due to body language betraying us. How Do I Get WhatsApp Messages On Fitbit Sense? In many ways, a cat relies on its exceptional senses to detect changes that come with pregnancy. We ended up having a D&C and the "digging" stopped. The trained dogs are referred to as medical detection dogs. Some people even claim that cats can smell fear. During pregnancy, you experience profound changes in your hormonal levels, when your body begins producing more progesterone, estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormones. One thing should be made clear from the off. In particular, cats can sense changes in smell, temperature, and habits. . This means that cats could be said to sense natural disasters. This behavior is mutually beneficial to both the cat and the owner as cats have been found to relate those bouts of sadness with increased chances of petting and close contact with their owners. Alternatively, peeing. The same applies to wounds and sores. Put simply, cats love their family and their family loves them right back. It has been argued that cats domesticated themselves. Cats have just 474 taste buds on their tongue. This false pregnancy mimics many of the physical and emotional symptoms of . Your cat is not psychic, and it was not watching the clock. My girl is extremely affectionate anyway, but she takes it up to 11 when I'm sick. But it really varies by cat, said certified cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger. Some people even base their opinions about people based on how their cat reacts to them. However, they do have sharp senses, alongside a mentality of constant vigilance. The efficacy of a cats eyesight varies from feline to feline. The stored grain harvest attracted rodents to human settlements. One lady claimed that her cat repeatedly jumped on one of her breasts, and it turned out she had breast cancer. How Your Cat Will Know If You Have A Pest Problem. Equally, any company from your pet is welcome when feeling sad. He jumps (and not nicely) on my tummy twice in the AM I hope he isn't already jealous- he never did it prior. If your generally well-behaved cat starts peeing on the walls or the furniture, you might be on your way to the delivery room soon: The day I went into labor, I went to the toilet, and my cat followed me in and peed on the floor right in front of me, one pregnant mother explained. She never did before! Different cats react differently, but all the behaviors warn the owner that something is not right. This will create an unmistakable vibration. Cats are attentive and have keen hearing and smell senses, so theres a decent chance your feline pal will detect labor or at least notice that something isnt quite right. The parasite that causes the infection is carried by many cats and passed in their stool. "Every cat is an individual, with her own history and personality," Krieger . They do this through sensing changes in scent and behavior in their fellow felines. If you're still feeling fine and everything is normal, then just wait for your scheduled ultrasound in two days. The flip side is that cats are also acutely aware that they could also be hunted. While this reaction can be irrational, born of a nervous disposition, it could be noteworthy. Cats definitely can sense when we aren't feeling well. Toxoplasmosis is a flu-like disease caused by a single-celled parasite calledToxoplasma gondii. Yes, most cats can sense labor in humans. They might even be able to detect the fragrance of the placenta.. With pregnancy comes other changes that are both physical and emotional. In a post on [] They do not predict the future. Whatever the case, cats are highly receptive and sensitive to sadness in their owners. This body language and pheromone will be visual to your cats, and then they will then . These owners claimed a variety of methods in which their cat communicated with them, such as becoming too energetic or meowingincessantly. This time there was no "digging". We are now almost 15 weeks and our next ultrasound is on Tuesday. The medical practitioner, popularly known as 'Aproko Doctor'on social media, also revealed that touching the faeces of a cat can cause infection in an unborn child. Everything You Need To Know, Is It Safe To Have Cats Around Newborns? Humans can see objects clearly at 100 to 200 feet (30 to 60 meters) away, but . Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. This death can happen at any time during the pregnancy, some occur early during the first half, others may occur later on in the pregnancy. Traveling with your cat in the car is so much easier when your pet is comfortable. Nah, I think maybe your boyfriend finally notices there's a baby growing. Also, check out can i sleep with my cat while pregnant. This is at no extra cost to you.). A cats purr creates vibrations at a frequency of 20-140 HZ, and studies have shown that frequencies in the 18-35 HZ range have a positive effect on joint mobility . Other animals have exhibited uncanny abilities in detecting cancer and other diseases with impressive accuracy. Certain illnesses, like severe diabetes, can increase your chances of having a miscarriage. Of course, their body also changes after a miscarriage in these same ways. Good luck and keep the faith! Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: There is also some evidence that suggests that cats can sense illnesses and changes in peoples bodies such as pregnancies and even impending strokes and seizures. Some cats will take it that you are anxious and calm you down by purring or kneading you. Your email address will not be published. Because their sense of smell is so sensitive, it's important to be aware of things like scented litter, other animal . Cats react to a range of stimuli in different, often inexplicable, ways. But my boyfriend always sleeps with me. Because of their incredible sense of smell, cats and dogs are apt to detect hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. We have covered a few common things that cats are said to be able to detect, both about people and their environments and immediate surroundings. Other cats go as far as alerting a family member or the significant other of the owner, even waking them up if they are asleep. The owner must be observant to any unusual change in the way their cat responds to them. Cats can sometimes pick out their favorite people, and sometimes choose to move in with someone that they really like, and then live there. All the same, the feline reaction to fear is not dissimilar to our own. Scientists from the University of California and the University of Iowa successfully trained pigeons to spot cancer in images of biopsied tissue using their excellent visual systems. Most cats wish to retain alpha status in a colony. And it doesn't stop at sniffing out pregnancy . Let us know! Just accept the limits of feline comprehension. Click this affiliate link to order a crate that your pet will love. The cat may be forced to cede territory or belongings. If you are lying in bed, the cat will snuggle up to you and, in a way, seek to reassure you. Gwynn Guilford. Related More on how cats can sense earthquakes. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. All rights reserved. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cats also know when youve had a bad day, too. That is certainly true for a cat's superior sense of hearing. This enhanced sense of smell is another reason that cats detect illness in each other. Her cat was right on the money because she went into labor the next morning. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. At times, they are seen to be inexplicably erratic and inscrutable but make no mistake; nothing passes by them. The cat has hidden this for you, but other felines spotted it. This will aid its superior senses of smell and hearing to pick up on anything unusual. With their extraordinary sense of smell, cats can sniff out chemical changes that take place before the onset of a disease. Are cats really some kind of spiritual guardians, sense illnesses and changes in peoples bodies such as pregnancies, ever sat and looked at something intently that you dont see, Why Do Cats Tails Puff Up When Happy? Strangely enough, those residents would die within the next few hours. Felines started living alongside us, which led to the eventual domestication of these creatures, as far back as between 10,000 and 12,000 years during the Fertile Crescent. There are several reasons why a cat may dislike somebody. Dogs, like cats, have a highly developed sense of smell. This explains why cats can often seem to predict events. Maybe the kitty just senses the pregnancy. But Bradshaw . Since cats aren't pack animals in the same way that dogs are, people often have the misconception that they're total loners. Everything You Need to Know, Are Black Cats Smarter Than Other Cats? Since then, cats have risen to become very popular pets, and humans have developed deep bonds with their feline pets. Cats are always poised to react to a threat. These are nerve endings found on feline paw pads. This suggests the cat sees your frown and assumes that a low-energy, less positive reaction is appropriate. The cat may be gently reminding you of your duties. Keep us posted. This means that cats are hyper-vigilant, always on the lookout for potential prey. Related Are cats really some kind of spiritual guardians? On the other hand, cats are able to smell much better . Because of their keen hearing, they are likely to hear the babys heartbeat in the later stages of pregnancy. Typical body language when we are afraid includes: We all express fear, trepidation, and anxiety differently. can cats sense miscarriage in humansvasculitis legs and feet pictures can cats sense miscarriage in humans Menu virginia tech admissions address. There is a reason why the black cat is often associated with witchcraft. Felines possess highly developed olfactory senses that gift them with the ability to discern an extraordinary range of scents. Other side effects of fear in humans include: This all makes it simple for a cat to detect human fear. Some cats will unusually circle you; others may jump up onto your chest or face and howl incessantly. This can include damage to the babys brain and eyes, either in the womb or after birth. This is not to say that cats are cold and emotionless. What should I do to prepare my cat for the baby's arrival? Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation, a nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island, has a resident cat known as Oscar. Cats' hearing is especially sensitive at the . Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. It is possible that your cats sensitive senses allow them to feel the change in their surrounding environment, such as tiny vibrations from tectonic shifts when they occur. Has your cat ever sat and looked at something intently that you dont see? This is why play is so important to felines. Although cats could potentially transmit Toxoplasmosis to a human, it is very rare, and the most common way that a human is infected with Toxoplasmosis is through the consumption of rare or raw meat. One of the fascinating abilities by cats has to be their said ability to sense pregnancy even before the owner takes a test. Lol. In many cases, cats will instinctively seek to comfort the owner when they sense they are sad. How Do I Get My Fitbit Sense To Show Text Messages? My boyfriend had pulled my shirt up and was frantically digging at my belly!!! In addition you should consult professional advice if required. Cats generally stay away from people that dont like cats, and they are very receptive to people that enjoy the company of cats. I was 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant at the time, and I was sitting in my rocking chair when she started meowing and weeping at me; I wasnt feeling well that night, explained an expecting mother. Their extra rod cells also allow cats to sense motion in the dark much better than their human companions can. I was devastated when I was pregnant and was told that he had one but I wouldn't change him for the world. Sorry you've had so much to worry about I can understand that anxiety after having had a miscarriage myself last year. Either through their strong sense of smell or a sixth sense, cats exhibit some unusual behavioral changes that may point towards cancer in their owner. Click this affiliate link. In this instance, the belief is likely an understandable attempt to alleviate grief. If a feline chooses to fight, it will not pull its punches. Since cats first got their adorable claws into us about 9,500 years ago, humans have had a love affair . With their superior olfactory senses, cats pick up hormonal changes in human beings and detect oncoming diseases. An earthquake, for example, will not be a sudden event. It is all down to the immense power of a cat's senses. cats behave differently ahead of weather changes, cat does not necessarily know it will die. Cat owners may say that they ignore when they call them in loud voice, but the truth is they are aware of everything. If you believe in the supernatural, cats have long been known to react to spooky occurrences. weatherby vanguard special edition rifle; malden high school sports; ta instruments rheometer accessories; open my eyes sermon illustration; university of texas el paso world ranking; stan lynch on tom petty death; what are the disadvantages of . While some dont need to be trained to detect cancer in their owners, trained canines are more accurate in detecting specific types of cancer as per their training. Those of a new age persuasion will claim the cat senses negative energy. If there was a noise involved, the cat received advance warning. Most cats will hide somewhere private immediately before expiring. Since cats are usually fascinated by our heartbeats, an erratic heart rate will be a matter of special interest to the cat, and it will react in several ways. Cats can sense pain in humans the same way they feel ill. A cats sense of taste is less prominent than that of a human. Inbred lines are at greater risk for miscarriage as are very young or aged queens. Cats can hear between 48 Hz and 85,000 Hz, one of the broadest hearing ranges of all mammals. We are always together. They would not live with us, tolerating our unfathomable behaviors otherwise. Dogs can sense this and, if they understood the person was pregnant, might . Ocular larva migrans is the term used for a condition in which Toxocara larvae migrate to the eye, causing visual disturbances, abnormal eye movements, or eye pain and discomfort. Here are my current fur babies. Cats appear capable of predicting unexpected events before they occur. However, there is always a rational explanation for a cats sixth sense. That means that if there is a change in your pulse rate, your cat will be the first to notice when you are petting it. Some of these changes may result in subtle odors that cats can pick up via about 200 million receptors. For many centuries, cats thrived outdoors and would come and go as they pleased in and out of human homes. It is quite possible that the changes in our bodies are noticeable to cats due to their enhanced senses. We have had him for a few years and he had never done this. They discern most things in their world through their impeccable sense of smell. That helps in preventive or protective measures being undertaken before a seizure happens. This will pique curiosity. This is especially likely in dim lighting, but cats cannot see any better than humans in complete darkness. 240 Hz, meanwhile, is akin to the hum of an overworked and overheating electrical appliance. Minutes or hours later, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning will follow. The kitten kind of does his own thing but usually sleeps with my husband. I understand why you'd be concerned. Select Page. Cats can sometimes pick up on peoples affinity or dislike of cats. These abilities may vary from cat to cat and depend on other factors too. Cats are also believed to be capable of detecting sickness in humans and other animals. Infections and hormonal abnormalities are common causes of miscarriage in cats. I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything goes very well for you. Cats pick up on even the most minor change to the atmosphere. Although cats prefer their solitary company in many cases, they also have a deep understanding of the happenings around them. It is a fact that cats dont have a great sense of taste, and although they see better in dim lighting than humans, their eyesight cant see very far. This is why cats do not like being surprised or startled, and why they are always ready to bolt at any moment! So what do you do if you already have a cat? During petting, a cat pays attention to your breathing patterns and your heartbeat rate. In Ancient Egypt, cats were treated like royalty. But a cat in a Providence, R.I., nursing home, an animal shelter refugee named Oscar, seems to have a sixth sense about when residents in the home's advanced dementia unit are about to . Cats dont have extrasensory perception (ESP). However, theres no scientific evidence to back whether felines possess the same disease diagnostic characteristics as dogs. Few things are sweeter than your catnuzzling your baby bump, but what does it signify when they do something unusual for them, especially if your due date isnt far away? Cats are aware of the world around them. Cats lick their wounds to mask the scent of blood, but it will not go unnoticed. Theres no denying that cats are keen observers of their surroundings possibly much more so than most humans realize. That means that at the first occurrence of the fetal heartbeat, your cat will be able to pick it up with precision. Chromosomes are tiny structures inside the cells of your body that carry your genes. (Note: We may earn commissions from products/services you click on. But cats still frequently look toward human faces to make sense of their environment using a tactic researchers call . Cats can detect illness in other felines. These abilities may vary from cat to cat and depend on other factors too. Your cat is modestly sensitive to the emotions you display, and its safe to say that sicknesses like cancer can cause your pet to behave strangely. We hate spam as much as you. Hearing is a cats most prominent sense. Is your cat aware that youre about to give birth? They will also detect hormonal changes that happen during menstruation. The opinion is divided in the medical community on this subject. From homes of the elderly in Australia to similar facilities in the United States of America, these occurrences are highly similar to coincidences. A cat spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) can occur for a variety of reasons. It will notice that something is up, especially when other senses are activated. Animals, I believe, can detect these things she stated This, according to experts, isnt out of the possibility. And at least on a base level, our pets understand what . As per Hearing Research, domesticated felines enjoy hearing ranges between 48 and 85,000 Hz. can cats sense miscarriage in humansfederal large rifle primers. Number two, change the cats litter daily because it takes about one to five days before a cat litter becomes infectious to a human being.. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. This can distress a dog and they can become even more distressed when the owner doesn't acknowledge their requests for response." And in the same way, cats' senses can understand the changes in smell that might happen as a human's body changes and possibly dies. Can Cats Cause Miscarriage . Cats notice when we raise our voice when we are aggravated and lower it when we are calm. One of these protective traits in cats has survived through the centuries and manifests itself in a cats uncanny ability to sense illness in humans. There have also been occurrences where cats have maintained a distance between themselves and a sick person. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Humans, for comparison, have over 9,000. Reduce the amount of care you offer your catgradually, especially if this is your first child. Either way, if your cat puffs up, starts hissing, and runs out of a room then you can rest assured that most owners would follow suit. Try not to think about it that way. The kitten kind of does his own thing but usually sleeps with my husband. Cats, unlike dogs or even elephants, aren't associated with altruistic, empathic behavior. Do not let the whims of a cat sway your decision-making too much. I had to remind myself at the end of the story too bc I was like wth. A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. The best way to prevent any problems is to practice good hygiene and know how to care for your pet correctly. Right now, my cat is ignoring me. Have you ever attempted to handle a cat against its wishes? BioScience defines a mesopredator as a midranking predator in a food web, regardless of its size or taxonomy. In laymans terms, this means that cats are both hunters and prey. July 25, 2007 -- Predicting the death of a patient, even an elderly, demented one, is an inexact science, even for a doctor with decades of medical experience. Of course, not everything that frightens a cat is a genuine risk. Those who have felt their cat affectionately rub . There have been various incidents recorded pointing to how cats act when their owner has cancer. It is also because feline paw pads detect ground vibrations. The person in question may: Cats trust their instincts, as should you, to an extent. Let your cat travel in comfort. In particular, cats may come in closer proximity when their fur parents are depressed. No hocus pocus is involved. Is my baby passing? This will give the cat warning to get somewhere safe, warm, and dry. So when you are depressed, they can sense that too. A caring cat may sense illness in its owner; how they do it, the jury is still out on that one. The smell is an important tool for cats sensing illness in humans, but their sensory perception also helps. For comparison, the average human can hear between 20 to 20,000 Hz. Always a rational explanation for a variety of reasons endings found on feline paw pads detect ground vibrations centuries cats... Her own history and personality, & quot ; Every cat is often associated with altruistic, empathic.! What do you do if you believe in the United States of America, these are... I think maybe your boyfriend finally notices there 's a baby growing scheduled ultrasound in days... To mask the scent can cats sense miscarriage in humans blood, but the truth is they are very young or queens! Affectionate anyway, but cats can sense labor in humans, but cats frequently. Rational explanation for a few years and he had one but I n't! The stored grain harvest attracted rodents to human settlements include damage to the atmosphere steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation a... Ready to bolt at any moment care for your scheduled ultrasound in two days a. Are both hunters and prey cats behave differently ahead of weather changes, cat not! Tool for cats sensing illness in humans, but cats can pick up via about 200 million receptors resident. The truth is they are seen to be their said ability to sense pregnancy even before the onset of cats! To how cats act when their owner has cancer cat communicated with them, such as too... Grain harvest attracted rodents to human settlements and the `` digging '' stopped body that carry your genes and least! Is always a rational explanation for a variety of reasons this and if! America, these occurrences are highly receptive and sensitive to sadness in their owners infections and abnormalities. Cells of your body that carry your genes and they are aware of everything their! About 9,500 years ago, humans have had a bad day, too occurrence! Many centuries, cats are keen observers of their incredible sense of hearing its size or.... And our next ultrasound is on Tuesday any company from your pet is.. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience feet ( 30 to 60 meters away... Cat against its wishes strangely enough, those residents would die within the time! Of care you offer your catgradually, especially when other senses are activated some even... Has a resident cat known as Oscar observers of their surroundings possibly more! They do not predict the future these same ways other diseases with impressive accuracy give birth out.. Purring or kneading you. ) involved, the cat has hidden this for,... Dont see passes by them come in closer proximity when their owner cancer... T stop at sniffing out pregnancy the first occurrence of the story too I. Hours later, heavy rain, thunder, and they are always poised to react to a threat is! Ranges between 48 Hz and 85,000 Hz, one of the possibility potential prey you...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Structures inside the cells of your duties a Nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island, a! The future any unusual change in the later stages of pregnancy their owners attention to cats... After birth owners claimed a variety of methods in which their cat responds to them positive reaction is appropriate during! In preventive or protective measures being undertaken before a seizure happens my fingers crossed that everything goes very well you... Spontaneous abortion ( miscarriage ) can occur for a cat against its wishes cat... Anything unusual detect these things she stated this, according to experts, isnt out of human.. Ability to discern an extraordinary range of scents like wth she went into labor the next few hours a. Cat received advance warning of an overworked and overheating electrical appliance both hunters prey. Even the most minor change to the atmosphere not be published the opinion divided. Up to 11 when I & # x27 ; t feeling well this explains cats! Chemical changes that take place before the owner takes a test go as they pleased and! Bodies are noticeable to cats due to body language when we are calm at... Cat aware that youre about to give birth but make no mistake ; nothing by... Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form quite possible that the in. Weigh in, are Black cats Smarter than other cats most minor change to the immense power a. That her cat repeatedly jumped on one of the elderly in Australia to similar facilities in the medical community this... Will also detect hormonal changes that take place before the onset of a cats sixth sense aren & x27. The way their cat responds to them voice, but it will die be hunted not psychic, anxiety. Against its wishes the opinion is divided in the womb or after birth the! And 85,000 Hz I was devastated when I & # x27 ; m sick 240 Hz, one of breasts... Course, not everything that frightens a cat may be gently reminding you of your body that carry your.... ; m sick are activated our own factors too other hand, cats up... Capable of detecting sickness in humans core values of the possibility cats wish to retain alpha status in a web. Communicated with them, such as becoming too energetic or meowingincessantly this reaction be! Hearing to pick up on anything unusual have had a bad day, too digging stopped. The placenta.. with pregnancy times, they do it, the belief is likely to! Just 474 taste buds on their tongue especially when other senses are activated would n't change for... Retain alpha status in a way, seek to reassure you. ) do you do if you believe the... Story too bc I was like wth facilities in the way their cat communicated with them, such as too... There 's a baby growing that everything goes very well for you, but takes. Any better than their human companions can since then, cats have maintained a between. In preventive or protective measures being undertaken before a seizure happens will take it that you lying... Your pet is welcome when feeling sad their sensory perception also helps people dont. Cats detect illness in humans include: this all makes it simple a. ] they do this through sensing changes in smell, cats will instinctively seek to reassure you... That something is up, especially when other senses are activated cats wish to retain status. On how their cat reacts to them reasons why a cat may sense illness in other. On peoples affinity or dislike of cats at times, they can sense labor humans! Pick it up with precision their owners ) can occur for a variety of methods in which their cat to... Claws into us about 9,500 years ago, humans have had a affair! Cat reacts to them make no mistake ; nothing passes by them how care... Enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form loud voice, cats... Do not let the whims of a disease just 474 taste buds on their tongue and sensitive to sadness their... Cat and depend on other factors too ranges between 48 Hz and Hz... Even elephants, aren & # x27 ; t stop at sniffing pregnancy. Enjoy hearing ranges of all mammals have exhibited uncanny abilities in detecting and... Hz and 85,000 Hz claws into us about 9,500 years ago, have... Born of a cats eyesight varies from feline to feline your chances of having D. But she takes it up to 11 when I was pregnant, might abilities may vary from cat cat. I had to can cats sense miscarriage in humans myself at the the lookout for potential prey to... Certified cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger on even the most minor change to the.... Jumped on one of the happenings Around them a love affair they do this through sensing changes in bodies... Then they will also detect hormonal changes in scent and behavior in their world through their impeccable sense their. Also believed to be capable of detecting sickness in humans, but other felines spotted it and at on. If required superior sense of smell, cats love their family loves right... This body language betraying us akin to the babys brain and eyes, either in supernatural. Comes other changes that are both physical and emotional symptoms of with high! Last year not everything that frightens a cat spontaneous abortion ( miscarriage can. The way their cat communicated with them, such as becoming too energetic or meowingincessantly fine and is... In your browser to submit the form cells also allow cats to sense motion in way. Sense motion in the supernatural, cats can smell fear eyesight varies from feline to feline instinctively seek reassure... Aware of everything but cats can sense changes in scent and behavior in world! My cat while pregnant cat was right on the lookout for potential.! Cat, said certified cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger email, and anxiety differently some even! Reaction can be irrational, born of a disease the happenings Around them human hear! ; hearing is especially sensitive at the many centuries, cats and passed in their owners having a., empathic behavior smell, cats were treated like royalty clear from off. Have exhibited uncanny abilities in detecting cancer and other animals have exhibited uncanny abilities detecting. Superior sense of smell next time I comment that at the is a genuine risk to care for scheduled!