Why do they say cats have nine lives? This means cats can survive situations that other animals might not be able to, making them seem like they have more lives than most. If youre a cat person, you know that each feline friend has their own unique personality. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDA. The myth is attributed to the natural suppleness, and swiftness cats exhibit to escape life-threatening situations. Whatever the reason, its clear that cats are considered to be special creatures with some pretty amazing abilities! Unfortunately, cats do not have 9 lives, but science has uncovered some fascinating facts about cats and their relationship to a danger that might explain why this myth has persisted . She vividly remembers watching a black cat, with daunting green eyes, jumping into a mans mouth and suffocating him. This is a very popular sleeping position for cats. In the end, it only took a couple of weeks of telling my mother how seraphic and spiritual cats are in Islam for her to fall in love with the idea. It is highly amusing when I remind my mother of how she used to feel about cats. It felt like a sacrifice for her, but she knew how much I wanted one. Plus, they get up to so much mischief we want the nine lives saying to be true!". So, what does your cats zodiac sign say about their personality? In Britain, a hatred for pets is unheard of, any bitterness towards animals is considered completely unacceptable. What You Need to Know. Throughout history, cats have been said to have nine lives. In 1732, Thomas Fuller wrote a book called Gnomologia: Adagies And . This position is relatively rare and is often seen in cats who are very relaxed and comfortable in their environment. Do cats have nine lives? Do they leap on your closet doors, cabinets or fridge? 2023 DorkyCats - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Terms Of Service | Privacy Policy | Disclaimers | Contact | About, HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CAT SEES A GHOST? Over time, this belief became a popular saying or proverb, and it has been passed down through generations in many cultures worldwide. [1], Cats have been venerated in the Near East since antiquity. Moreover, Cats have long been associated with having nine lives. In my culture, theyre viewed as dirty and if I had even stroked one, I would have to shower. As a passionate fan of everything about cats, she is is more than happy to be the editor and provide content on what she is passionate about. Ancient Egyptian Gods Horus and Atum. From a young age, domestic cats know to use a litter box, unlike puppies that use your floor for the first couple of weeks before being trained to go outside. Growing up I was always aware of this hostility. In Hinduism, nine is considered a complete and divine number. Cats can be evil at times. Have you ever encountered this behavior from your cat? Have you ever wondered if cats really have nine lives? The ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet was depicted as half cat and half woman. It is thought the departure from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a farming one was beneficial to these ancient cats. Hurry up, or I'll smack you on the ears with my sword before you have yours drawn. Cats Are Modern Day Ninjas. [5][pageneeded] Aside from protecting granaries and food stores from pests, cats were valued by the paper-based Arab-Islamic cultures for preying on mice that destroyed books. Cats also have an extra flexible spine that allows them to move their bodies fast and in the most unique positions. Cats who sleep in this position are often very social and enjoy being around people. If a cat makes it to 21, that would be like 100 years old in human terms. Another explanation is thatcats have a high pain threshold, meaning they can endure injuries that would be deadly to other animals. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Cats can twist their bodies mid-air and land on their feet, thanks to their flexible spine and inner ear. There is even a famous saying in China:A cat has nine lives but only uses seven.. Well, shes not wrong. The answer may surprise you. Cats have long been associated with having multiple lives, but is there any truth to the idea that female cats have nine lives in particular? The 9 Friendliest & Nicest Cat Breeds In the World, 10 Popular Cat Myths Completely Debunked By A Vet, 11 Tips To Train Your Cat To Sleep All Night, How To Pet A Cat The 3 Basic Dos And Donts, 7 Signs Your Cat Is Not Getting Enough Love, Is Your Cat Lonely? Within weeks of Milo moving in with us, my mothers attitude changed and now after three months, she has fully adopted him as her fifth child. Many Egyptian families would keep cats as pets and even feed them their food. For example, thinking cats have 9 lives can help you appreciate the moments you live in more. Some cultures see them as lucky animals that bring good fortune. Nine is also symbolic in Islamic, Greek and Roman Catholic cultures, to name a few. But, its definitely something to think about. But its an infallible part of British culture: we are a nation of dog-lovers, so as a child I did feel that I missed out. The ancient Egyptians, for example, worshipped cats and believed they had magical powers. She also talks about how shes had to learn to be more patient with her cats, and how shes come to appreciate the quirks that make each of them unique. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Read also: CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? It is most likely a misunderstanding. Learn how to build an easy, homemade DIY cat scratching post using items around your house! However, they are not necessarily associated with the number nine. While we dont know for sure why the number seven is considered to be lucky, it could be because seven is thought to be a magical number. Essentially, they are doing more in a shorter period of time than our bodies are. The ancient Egyptians believed these animals were sacred and divine beings with supernatural powers. Theyre always striving for perfection and theyre always looking for ways to improve. They are curious and like to explore their surroundings. is a question that has long perplexed cat lovers and scientists alike. In many countries, they are believed to have nine lives, but in Italy, Germany, Greece, Brazil, and some Spanish-speaking regions, they are said to have seven lives, while in Turkish and Arabic traditions, the number of lives is six. Another story is, upon returning from the mosque, Muhammad received a bow from Muezza. Since then she has said there is something disturbing about their piercing stare and how quickly they can dart away, vanishing into thin air. So, every time a cat dies, it is reborn with a new life. They were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was often depicted with the head of a cat. Cookie Consent Tool. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? Christine Brovelli-O'Brien, Ph.D., is a writer, STEAM educator, and long-time cat mom. This is a balance reflex that allows them to orientate themselves as they fall in order to land on their feet. One New York cat is known to have survived a fall of 32 stories. So the age process, like the other life processes of a dog, is sped up. But where did this idea come from? Tybalt: "What wouldst thou have with me? In other countries and cultures, the number of lives a cat is said to have differs. This means that, technically, cats could live forever. complete answer on besidestillwater.net. The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. Unfortunately, cats do not have 9 lives, but science has uncovered some fascinating facts about cats and their relationship to a danger that might explain why this myth has persisted for so long. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDAContinue, Are you curious about the cat crying outside my house superstition? Well the phrase cats have nine lives is an ancient one and can be traced to those times when magic was popular. For example, the numbernine is often considered the final number in a set of ten. Anita Kelsey, U.K. feline behaviorist and author of Let's Talk About Cats, told Newsweek: "No one really knows for sure where that saying came from and we can only go on myths such as from ancient Egyptian times As the Egyptians revered cats the myth of the saying originating there does sound feasible.". Save my name & email in this browser for the next Now she does everything for him: cleans out his litter tray, feeds him and plays with him. Sometimes, for whatever reason, cats take a liking to human foods. The odd time that a relative did allow a cat anywhere near her, she would become hysterical. This is thought to relate to seven being considered a magical number related to good luck. The sun god Atum-Ra was said to take the form of a cat so he could visit the underworld. It helps that he has beautiful green eyes and the softest fur, too. Almost two-thirds of new owners are aged between 16 and 34 and 56% of new pet owners have children at home. This position is often seen in younger cats who are full of energy. But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. Cats communicate subtly and quietly. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. And just like our own personalities, these traits can be linked to astrology. Mothers being mothers, she also spoke to lots of different Muslims about their cats, and eventually, her fears melted away. It's an age-old question that has been argued for centuries. So, do cats really have seven lives? Start by stapling the fabric to the top of the post, wrapping it around the post and stapling it to the bottom. They will leave home if treated badly. Do cats really have 9 lives? Or maybe because it comes from the Welsh, where nine steps was used to measure legal distances. Cats cant die and come back right after. In addition, cats earned the reputation of having nine lives because of their fast reflexes and ability to survive almost anything. The belief that cats have nine lives stems from their reputation for being able to survive falls and other potentially deadly accidents. Why don't cats and dogs have belly buttons? The truth is, no one really knows for sure, but there is evidence to suggest that cats are resilient creatures that may have a few more lives than the average animal. Without an umbilical cord, a belly button cannot be created. Shed always found them evil and scary, but when I wanted a cat in lockdown I appealed to my mums faith. What does it mean cats have nine lives? It can range from 6 to 10 on average, she explains. In September, a viral video of a cat hanging off the roof of a football stadium in Miami went viral. Specifically, it is believed that cats have seven lives in Portugal and Spain, and from there, this belief was spread to the rest of Europe. For three he plays, for three he strays and for the last three he stays." Many people think of cats as aloof and uncaring, but believing they have 9 lives can change how you see them. Cats can heal quickly from injuries and areless likely to develop infections. When they reach old age, they need more rest and tend to live at a slower pace of life. The black and white cat was holding on with just one arm when it plunged around 30 feet, with crowds holding out an American flag in an effort to break its fall. She says that he is like a playful, charming teenager who doesnt answer back. Others believe that the seven lives refers to the fact that cats have seven different stages in their lives, from kittenhood to old age. However, there is no specific mention of cats having multiple lives in Islamic scripture. Some people believe the nine lives myth is related to cats' ability to always land on their feet. In China, the number nine is considered to be lucky. Theyre always living in their own little world and theyre always chasing their dreams. So, which is it? 4. Arab countries tend to say that cats have six lives. Cats Always Land On Their Feet. FRIGHTENING?Continue, Your email address will not be published. As with most oral storytelling, there is no evidence of when or where this famous English quotation was first documented. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. Why do cats use litter boxes and dogs don't? Trim off any excess fabric, and voila! The details are murky surrounding the origin of the nine lives myth. Heres a guide on how to make your own cat scratching post, complete with all the nitty gritty details. One is that it can give people a deeper appreciation and love for cats. The answer may surprise you. Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. Dogs Have Strong Natural Body Odors Just as cats don't have sweat glands all over their bodies, neither do dogs. Cats who sleep in this position are often very active and playful. Cats neither forgive nor forget. We may never know the exact origin of the myth. "But our cats are fearsome predators and survivors equipped physically with great tools such as the mid air reflex whereby they right themselves during a fall to land on all feet, their whiskers, which can determine whether a space is big enough for them or not and their ability to make themselves appear like liquid when they squeeze into small boxes or a tight space. It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. Theyre also very loyal and theyre always there for their loved ones. So when I saw this article on the Huffington Post, I just had to share it. There is no scientific evidence to support either claim, so it is ultimately up to each individual to decide what they believe. Now its time to add the carpet or fabric. We may also be more cautious in treating them for fear of injuring them and taking away one of their nine lives. Vittoria is a full-time blogger with a passion for cats and pets in general. Do cats have 9 lives? If a cat "comes back to life" multiple times, the number nine makes sense when looked at from a mystical point of view. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. 7+ REVEALING SIGNSContinue, Can a cat be evil? Dorkycats.com is monetized through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. In the end, your cats life may not be nine times longer than other animals, but it can still be a long and happy one! Preparing to attend prayer, he began to dress himself; however, he soon discovered his cat Muezza sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. Across the U.S. there are almost 60 million pet cats, with around one in four households having a feline companion. Find info on vets or breeds or laugh at funny cats. While the origin of this myth may remain a mystery, science has revealed that cats are incredibly resilient creatures capable of escaping danger and surviving situations where other animals might not. So, what is the truth? Since ancient times, people have observed cats surviving the most incredible falls and getting through incredible life-threatening situations. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? Some people believe that cats have seven lives because theyre very resilient animals who often survive falls and other accidents that would be fatal for other creatures. For thousands of years, people have been captivated by cats. This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than you'd imagine. Pet cats were mummified and buried. However, cats are known to be remarkably resilient creatures, and they do have some amazing survival stories. Taurus (April 20 May 20): The Taurus cat is a true foodie. What do dog groomers use to make dogs smell so good? Some people believe, Read More CAT CRYING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE SUPERSTITION AND 5 MORE!Continue, Can cats sense bad energy? Hill's Pet, How to Make Your Own DIY Cat Scratching Post, Removing Foul Smelling Cat Odors From Your Home, How One Cat Lover's Feline Craziness Shines Through. Have you heard about cats having nine lives? This is even true at night due to their ability to see adequately in the dark. According to a myth in many cultures, cats have multiple lives. Theyre also quite reserved and they can be quite stubborn. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why they're allowed to enter homes and even mosques.. The Egyptians believed that cats were magical creatures with the power to come back to life after death. This is a question that has been debated by cat lovers for centuries. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. They also can turn their bodies around so they can land on their feet; as you have seen above, it is called the righting reflex: Thecat-righting reflexis acats innate ability to orient itself as it falls to land on its feet. In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. Stories about cats surviving huge falls are commonplace. Few have made progress; many have, Read More CAN CATS SMELL CANCER? Im not sure. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. Cats can sense bad energy and alert you when there is something wrong. One theory is that cats are very agile and can survive falls from high places, which might have led people to believe they have multiple lives. This can be both cute and worrying at the, Begonias are flowering plants that many homeowners grow in their flowerbeds and in large pots due to their colorful blooms., Fleas are a pain for many pet owners. Christ died on the ninth hour of the day. As he began to dress he discovered that Muezza was sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. Cats.com went out and did some research to find what makes cats super survivors. Also, Cats are popularly known to have nine lives because they are very agile. In some cases, cats are considered lucky animals that bring good fortune to their owners. Some regions around Spain believe that cats only have seven lives, while in other Arabic and Turkish legends, cats have six lives. The institution, in which domestic felines were sheltered and nourished, was funded by a waqf, along with caretakers' wages, veterinary care and cat food.