Have cats been blessed with 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. In the Bible, nine was used 49 times and stands for completion. Many superstitions and fantastic stories from many centuries ago surround cats. However, unlike humans, cats have more vertebrae. Across the U.S. there are almost 60 million pet cats, with around one in four households having a feline companion. If youre a cat lover, I think youll enjoy this article. They just have 8 totems of undying. They are confident and like to be in control. Theres no way to know for sure, but its certainly an interesting theory. However, cats are known to be remarkably resilient creatures, and they do have some amazing survival stories. Another belief about cats is that they have spiritual powers and can bring good luck. Even going way back to the 1st century when they were thrown from towers, cats have had a habit of cheating death. However, there is no denying that cats are amazing creatures that have the ability to heal quickly and survive falls from great heights. CAT CRYING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE SUPERSTITION AND 5 MORE! "And finally, they don't take abuse. So it is obviously not a possibility. As humans farmed and stored food, they attracted common prey for cats, such as mice and rats. In other countries and cultures, the number of lives a cat is said to have differs. Deter them from this behavior by cat-proofing your house, such as not placing tempting items like toys, treats and catnip in high places. Is it true, or is it just fiction? If you love your cat but not the destruction they wreak on your furniture, you may be considering a DIY cat scratching post. Haddon said: "Cats are small animals that can be preyed upon by bigger ones such as wolves, dogs, coyotes, large constrictor snakes, leopards etc. Theyre also fiercely independent and they like to do things their own way. Theyre always mysterious and theyre always seeming to know more than theyre letting on. Theyre also very intelligent and theyre always up for a challenge. Would they think that a cats life is just like a humans life, only with more lives? Cats can be evil at times. For example, in Islam, the significance of the number nine is much like in the Indian thought of Sanatana . Food sampled by cats is considered halal, in the sense that their consumption of the food does not make it impermissible for Muslims to eat, and water from which cats have drunk is permitted for wudu (the ablution that is done by Muslims). Whenever we used to visit family and friends who owned cats, I would have to notify them half an hour in advance to hide them, in fear of my mothers reaction. Because of this, the myth predates the late 1500s and possibly has ancient origins. Some say that cats have nine lives, while others believe that they have infinite lives. She's a professional member of the Cat Writers' Association (CWA) and has written for industry-leading companies and organizations, including What to Expect When You're Expecting and NIU STEM Read. [8][9] There is no mention of any such cat or the associated story in the hadith or supplementary works[10] and there are similar stories attributed to someone else from 6th century Arabia which may explain the origin of the story.[11]. The answer to this question has been a mystery for centuries. In complete contrast, I am an ailurophile. Theyre also very loyal and theyre always there for their loved ones. The first known reference to the nine lives myth was in a book by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. Do cats have nine lives or seven based on popular belief? Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Cats also have super-flexible bones with a light structure and a thick fur all which they use to their advantage. Cats have an infinite number of lives, but they dont always live to a ripe old age. Throughout lockdown, pet ownership has surged. FRIGHTENING?Continue, Your email address will not be published. Cats started living alongside humans in the Near East during the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago. So, while science cant prove that cats have nine lives, it can certainly explain why the myth has existed for so long! . So, the next time you see a cat, remember that it may be one of the nine lives! Cats are just fascinating creatures, and theres always room for interpretation when it comes to their lives. Can cats smell cancer? Cats can do this because they have an unusually flexiblebackboneand no functionalclavicle(collarbone). Why do cats clean themselves but dogs don t. We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. This means that they are less likely to be injured than other animals, which may lead people to believe that they have more lives. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Vittoria is a full-time blogger with a passion for cats and pets in general. Find and follow Christine on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien, Select Your Region (opens a modal dialog), 2021 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. One day, much to my astonishment, I came back from a stressful day at college to see Milo sitting peacefully on her lap while she watched TV. 3. I love cats with a passion. About our Ads. In many countries such as Germany, Spain and Turkey, the Common Belief is that cats actually have 7 lives. That's because they were born via eggs or some other mode to incubate the baby other than a placenta. Despite being a myth, why do they say cats have nine lives? Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Egyptians believed that cats were reincarnated six times, which may have led to the belief that they have six lives. In 1732, Thomas Fuller wrote a book called Gnomologia: Adagies And . In some European folklore, there are stories of witches or supernatural beings who could transform into cats and have multiple lives. The civilization was known to worship cats, with several deities being depicted as having cat-shaped heads. Ancient Origins of a Cat's Nine Lives The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. I mean, Ive never actually been reincarnated so I cant say for sure. Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life. This is a common misconception about the Islamic faith, likely because of the similar sound of the Arabic words for "cat" (qit) and "life" (qiyam). *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. If you have observed a cat falling, you may have seen that they open its paws apart, forming a sort of parachute. However, do cats have abilities that make them survive many times after coming close to death? Most, however, maintain that neutering cats is allowed "if there is some benefit in neutering the cat and if that will not cause its death". DragonHunter256 3 yr. ago. The belief that cats have nine lives stems from their reputation for being able to survive falls and other potentially deadly accidents. Invest in a cat tree or condo as an outlet for their leaping and climbing skills. In others, they are considered to be sacred creatures. I sometimes think she loves him more than me. It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. So, there you have it. Ancient Egyptian Gods Horus and Atum. They love to be around their family and theyre very loyal to their loved ones. These 7 Signs Will Help You Find Out, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. Earlier this year, researchers announced the discovery of what they believe to be the world's oldest pet cemetery, with nearly 600 cats and dogs at one single Ancient Egyptian site. Instead, the Japanese believe thatcats have the power to change their fate. Cats have almost a supernatural ability to move from a low, crouching position to a high, long leap in a matter of seconds. Energetic and tormenting as a teenager, hes also slender, cute and as vulnerable as a baby, which I think appeals to my mother. Yet as a nation, we compare cats unfairly to dogs. Dammit Sabrina I told you to stay off reddit. Thus, the need for an umbilical cord is nonexistent. You may think your cat has 9 lives. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Thinking about how much love and to care acat needsto live a whole life can remind you to be kind and patient with the people in your life. Regardless of how different cultures view cats, it is clear that these animals hold a special place in our hearts. In some cultures, cats have seven lives instead of 9. Others believe that the seven lives refers to the fact that cats have seven different stages in their lives, from kittenhood to old age. For example, you may notice when yourcat is purringor rubbing against your leg, and you may appreciate their presence more. Your cat's daredevil antics can be fun to watch, but engaging them in safe play goes a long way to making your feline friend's life a happy and healthy one. Finally, it is sometimes seen as aprecursor of change or transformation. However, there are a few theories about why cats may have nine lives belief is so popular. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. While certain areas around the world believe that cats have multiple lives, the number nine is not universal. No surprise that so many young people are, like me, behind this trend. Thats right, just like you and me, your cat has a zodiac sign that says a lot about their personality. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Cats also have an extra flexible spine that allows them to move their bodies fast and in the most unique positions. And when wild cats began to live more closely with human beings around . 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 . However, it is undeniable that cats are fascinating creatures, and their popularity as pets means that they are likely to continue to be a source of fascination and mystery for years to come. The myth is attributed to the natural suppleness, and swiftness cats exhibit to escape life-threatening situations. Unlike dogs, cats can live an independent life in parallel with their owner. 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. Another story is, upon returning from the mosque, Muhammad received a bow from Muezza. Or believe they could see, smell, and predict things we cant? According to authentic narrations, one may make ablution for prayer with the same water that a cat has drunk from. "Cats are curious by nature and many love exploring new situations and scenarios, some of which clearly are not good for them," Kelsey said. Im a mom, writer and professional dog trainer who has worked with dogs all my life and has been training them professionally for a little over 10 years. This means cats can survive situations that other animals might not be able to, making them seem like they have more lives than most. Cats.com went out and did some research to find what makes cats super survivors. For three he plays, for three he strays and for the last three he stays." Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. That's because they were born via eggs or some other mode to incubate the baby other than a placenta. Admired for their cleanliness, cats are considered "the quintessential pet" by Muslims. Cats should be provided with enough food, water and given roaming time. Partly it was based on watching a scary video about a cat in her childhood. Hi, Im Amanda. span I comment. DorkyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. This is a common misconception about the Islamic faith, likely because of the similar sound of the Arabic words for cat (qit) and life (qiyam). Christine Brovelli-O'Brien, Ph.D., is a writer, STEAM educator, and long-time cat mom. The relationship between human and cat became beneficial for both specieshumans were providing food for the cats, and cats were stopping rodents from raiding human food stores. Then I thought I would try again, so, without telling my mother, I put a deposit down on a kitten, but the seller was a scammer and it all fell through. If you don't have one of those breeds, but your dog still acts like a cat, it might be because of a feline-canine cohabitation or even friendship. If he has an extra sense, or if he pretends to be silly, illogic, and cute while he is a sort of genius? There is no scientific evidence to support either claim, so it is ultimately up to each individual to decide what they believe. The number nine has significance to many early cultures. We are practising Muslims and I eventually realised that this was the way to her heart where cats were concerned and I wondered why I hadnt tried this approach earlier. If they do, theres a punishment whoever owns the dog loses good deeds each day, although there are exceptions to this rule. Rather than wake her, he used a pair of scissors to cut the sleeve off, leaving the cat undisturbed. Cats check if you are breathing, especially at night, because they have not seen you moving for several hours. Do cats have nine lives, or do they really have seven? The short answer is no, but there's something so beguiling about a cat's demeanor that makes it seem almost possible that they could have extra lives. So I tried my best to convince her. The myth that cats have multiple lives exists in many cultures across the world, but it is not always nine lives. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Islam_and_cats&oldid=1140161198, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles needing page number citations from November 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 19:22. However, they are not necessarily associated with the number nine. Over time, this belief became a popular saying or proverb, and it has been passed down through generations in many cultures worldwide. As any cat parent can tell you, all you have to do is observe a cat's ability to leap, twist and land on their feet to see why this myth is a lasting legend. 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. Mothers being mothers, she also spoke to lots of different Muslims about their cats, and eventually, her fears melted away. Capricorn (December 22 January 19): The Capricorn cat is the true traditionalist. Start by stapling the fabric to the top of the post, wrapping it around the post and stapling it to the bottom. As a result, cats with nine lives are often seen as bringing good fortune. 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? If a cat makes it to 21, that would be like 100 years old in human terms. Learn how to build an easy, homemade DIY cat scratching post using items around your house! Inevitably, it took me a while. How many lives do cats have? Theyre also very proud and they can be quite stubborn. Are you wondering if your furball is an under-covered sensitive? We may never know the exact origin of the myth. Scientists call this righting reflex. Are those adorable pets actually evil? Aside from those theories, the number 9 itself is considered lucky or special in many religions and belief systems around the world in Christianity (a "trinity of trinities"), in . Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. Why do cats have litter boxes and dogs don't? In other cases, cats are viewed as powerful and wise creatures that can help protect their owners from harm. The answer may surprise you. Therefore, a cats death was considered unfortunate, and elaborate funerals were often held in their honor. Learn more. [8][9] Muhammad awoke one day to the sounds of the adhan. Shed always found them evil and scary, but when I wanted a cat in lockdown I appealed to my mums faith. But if the cats are ordinary cats and are not causing a nuisance, perhaps it is better to leave them alone to reproduce. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. [1], In Islamic tradition, cats are admired for their cleanliness. Its no wonder that cats have earned the reputation of having nine lives! Sagittarius (November 22 December 21): The Sagittarius cat is the true adventurer. Well, shes not wrong. There are a few theories as to why people believe that cats have nine lives. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS BEHIND THE 9 LIVES OF CATS? They like their own space and can be a bit aloof. This myth dates back to ancient Egypt, the ancient Egyptians loved and worshiped their cats as if they were gods. Pisces (February 19 March 20): The Pisces cat is the true dreamer. In fact, the number of lives a cat has varies depending on the culture. The Prophet himself was a great cat-lover Muezza was the name of his favourite cat. The institution, in which domestic felines were sheltered and nourished, was funded by a waqf, along with caretakers' wages, veterinary care and cat food. But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. . Falling #cat saved at #MiamiHurricanes football game at #HardRockStadium #9lives #catsoftiktok @Miami Hurricanes. Cats are also known for their dexterity and agility. This might change how we interact with them because we may be afraid they will see ghosts or spirits around us and tell them what we are doing. So, as a result, it is thought that having a cat in your life will bring you good luck. Theosophy believes that cats are endowed with something special that makes them so agile that they can cheat death in most dangerous situations. She cooks arguably the best chicken parmesan in the world, and also has impeccable taste in Bollywood music. The belief thatcats have 9 livesand originate from Egypt is a popular myth. However, the best way to ensure your cats longevity is by providing them with a safe environment and regular checkups from your veterinarian. "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. Do they real have nine lives? Truth be said, a cat is a unique animal, he can jump from the top of a two-storey building and land safely, look at you and walk away just as if he jumped from a sofa. Theyre also very passionate and they can be quite stubborn. This mystical nature then seems to have followed the domestic cat during its migration from the Middle East through Greece, China and into Europe, eventually spreading into all corners of the world. This information should not be substituted for a professional veterinary consultation. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. Lets dig into it and see if we can figure it out. However, this is not actually true. Truth told, I would have liked a dog, but Islam forbids Muslims to keep them. Why do cats use litter boxes and dogs don't? I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. They might be grumpy creatures that would knock things over around the house, nestle and curl up on our laps when we're down, and sometimes even when we're busy! Based on popular beliefs, cats are believed to have nine lives, or even 7. The origin of this saying is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories. InGreek Mythology, the number 9 was oftenassociated with the goddesses of love and destiny, such as Aphrodite and Athena. Domestication sped up in Ancient Egypt. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATSContinue. This means that they can heal from injuries and diseases more quickly than other animals. The story goes that Muhammad awoke one day to the call of prayer. Even a pet cat, if it gets lost from its home, has quite a good chance of managing to find food and shelter on the streets at least for a little while. Now that you know the science behind cats legendary nine lives, its time to put this myth to rest and focus on taking proper care of these beloved pets. Over the centuries, the belief that cats have nine lives has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is now a widely accepted part of popular culture. Have you experienced the funny and maybe creepy experience of your cat suddenly jumping up, running away, or even becoming puffy with all his fur standing straight? Then, thread the sisal rope through the hole, tying a knot at the top. Stories about cats surviving huge falls are commonplace.