[freedumb2003]

IIRC, the cat sucks the breath out of people in ancient lore.

In reality, dogs and cats have highly developed senses. The cat probably smells something that is a “death rattle” precursor (now THAT would be an interesting pursuit) and is empathetic so expresses itself to the victim.

[Age of Reason]

The cat probably smells something that is a “death rattle”

Exactly.

Vultures do the same thing.

If that cat jumped on my bed, I'd throw it out the window.

I don't need no cat around licking its chops waiting for me to kick.

[Does so]

">>>dogs and cats have highly developed senses..."

Humans can detect one-part-per-million in odor. Even average dogs can detect 100x greater than that. I recall that some dogs can detect cancer (and other diseases) in humans.

"Cadaver-dogs", who detect drowning victims under water, are just incredible!