Do cats have empathy?

Cats can sit for long periods of time in what appears to be a meditative trance, staring into empty space with a look of rapture upon their faces. — TNS/Dreamstime/Adam Wasilewski

Dear Joan, do cats feel empathy?

I’ve been wondering because two friends have told me cat stories that seem wrapped in mystery. In both cases, a grieving family was visited by a cat that was unknown to them, who stayed to offer purrs and comfort.