The number nine holds significance in numerology, especially due to its composition of three groups of three, like the structure of the English proverb. This led to the belief that cats must have some sort of magical power or ability that allows them to cheat death. When they reach old age, they need more rest and tend to live at a slower pace of life. Vittoria is a full-time blogger with a passion for cats and pets in general. For example, dogs have belly buttons as well. So, do cats actually have nine lives? This is because they have a unique ability to regenerate their cells. He suddenly sneaks on you while you sleep and starts checking whether you are breathing. How many lives do cats have?
Why do we say that cats have nine lives? - Encyclopaedia Felidae Well, shes not wrong. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Hi, Im Amanda. This idea is thought to come from the fact that cats are often able to escape danger, whether its from predators or other hazards. The medieval Egyptian zoologist Al-Damiri (13441405) wrote that the first cat was created when God caused a lion to sneeze, after animals on Noah's Ark complained of mice. However, while they are indeed quite resilient, it is not true that they can survive any fall or injury. Thats right, just like you and me, your cat has a zodiac sign that says a lot about their personality. Cats Always Land On Their Feet. This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than you'd imagine. Cats can be evil at times. In addition, cats earned the reputation of having nine lives because of their fast reflexes and ability to survive almost anything. History has it that nine is a magical number and this could be the reason why nine was the most appropriate to associate to cats. Cats are just fascinating creatures, and theres always room for interpretation when it comes to their lives. Despite the differences in the number of lives a cat supposedly has, there exists the one common underlying belief: Cats live more than one life. Both cats and dogs can pick up each other's behaviors, and their humans, too. And finally, some cultures believe cats have nine lives because they can heal quickly from injuries. [6] Studies show the average cat may only live to be 14 years old, which is the equivalent of age 70 in human years. Their abilities to safely jump from high places and their tendencies to escape deleterious catastrophes could have led to people thinking they have multiple lives. Cookie Consent Tool. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cats.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. According to a myth in many cultures, cats have multiple lives. Required fields are marked *. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. However, cats are known to be remarkably resilient creatures, and they do have some amazing survival stories. Dogs have yet to make this reputation. Here is the truth about cats. She is just like any of my 17-year-old friends parents she is spirited, sparky, generous and can be feisty when she needs to be.
How Islam conquered my mother's fear of cats - the Guardian 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! 119. It can range from 6 to 10 on average, she explains. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. About our Ads. Stock photo of a cat. Why does my cat check if I am breathing? Your email address will not be published. It is possible that the myth originated from the fact that cats were often associated with the goddess Bastet, who was thought to have had nine lives. Some say that cats have nine lives because they are able to land on their feet when they fall from a great height. Seconds later, a member of the crowd lifts up the cat and the whole stadium erupts in cheers.
Do Cats Have Nine Lives? The Origin of the Saying - Litter-Robot For example, you may notice when yourcat is purringor rubbing against your leg, and you may appreciate their presence more. In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. However, accidents can happen; in fact, it has happened for cats or kittens to fall from a terrace and die, even though we know cats have incredible abilities in landing on their paws. Scientists call this righting reflex. Sometimes, for whatever reason, cats take a liking to human foods. 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. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. What we do know, notes Science magazine, is that the fascination with cats dates way back to about 12,000 years ago in the homes and places of worship of the ancient Egyptians. While the idea of cats having nine lives may seem like an old wives tale, there is actually some science to back it up. The fact that there is no universal consensus regarding . BOTTOM LINEContinue, How to know if your cat sees a ghost?
Why dog is prohibited in islam? Updated January 2023 | Wikidoggia Keep on reading to find out. The origins of the nine lives myth are unclear, but it is thought to date back to ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. Aquarius (January 20 February 18): The Aquarius cat is the true independent. Whether or not they have nine lives is still a mystery. Learn how to create four different DIY cat beds that will provide your furry friend with a cozy space of her own & won't break your bank! In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. This is a question that I get asked a lot, and to be honest, Im not entirely sure what the answer is. Cats do not make it easy for us to figure them out. Another theory is that the belief originated with the medieval belief in witches and their ability to transform themselves into cats. Some cats can tell you when something terrible is, Read More CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? 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. WHY DOES MY CAT CHECK IF I AM BREATHING? Dammit Sabrina I told you to stay off reddit. For example, in some Native American cultures, the number nine is considered a lucky number. The latter is due to them not having a tight collarbone. What happens when blood sugar gets too high. If a cat makes it to 21, that would be like 100 years old in human terms. The righting reflex, along with their flexible bones and ligaments, is how they are able to survive falls from huge heightsheights that would prove fatal for most other mammalian species, cementing the old saying that cats have nine lives. Libra (September 23 October 22): The Libra cat is the true diplomat. The idea cats have nine lives may have endured because of their incredible agility. This myth dates back to ancient Egypt, the ancient Egyptians loved and worshiped their cats as if they were gods. Dispelling the Myth of Nine Lives For one, cats are not described as having nine lives in all cultures. This theory is supported by the fact that cats have been known to survive falls from great heights and car accidents. If he has an extra sense, or if he pretends to be silly, illogic, and cute while he is a sort of genius? 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. Heres a guide on how to make your own cat scratching post, complete with all the nitty gritty details. Nine is also symbolic in Islamic, Greek and Roman Catholic cultures, to name a few. Cats can pull off the most incredible stunts ever to make you wonder if they have extra senses or special powers. [1], Wilfred Thesiger, in his book The Marsh Arabs, notes that cats were allowed free entry to community buildings in villages in the Mesopotamian Marshes, and even fed. 1. Now its time to add the carpet or fabric. Truth told, I would have liked a dog, but Islam forbids Muslims to keep them. Do cats really have 9 lives? 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. complete answer on wendyvandepoll.medium.com, View For example, in Islam, the significance of the number nine is much like in the Indian thought of Sanatana . Cats can sense bad energy and alert you when there is something wrong. Have you ever wondered if cats really have nine lives? Whatever the origin of the belief, there is no scientific evidence to support it. Scientists even believe they have more chances of surviving falling from higher places than lower places because they have more time to properly fix their bodies during the fall to prepare for impact. blood pressure, bladder stretch). Pisces (February 19 March 20): The Pisces cat is the true dreamer. However, cats are known for their agility and dexterity, which may explain how they are often able to survive falls and other accidents that would be fatal for other animals. 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. Cats can heal quickly from injuries and areless likely to develop infections. Some of them even remember things that they couldnt possibly know unless they had actually lived through them. Another belief about cats is that they have spiritual powers and can bring good luck. As with most oral storytelling, there is no evidence of when or where this famous English quotation was first documented. "Cats are curious by nature and many love exploring new situations and scenarios, some of which clearly are not good for them," Kelsey said. Another theory is that cats are able to regenerate their cells at a faster rate than other animals. In addition, 9 was seen as asymbol of immortality, as it was the highest number that could be represented in the Greek numerical system. Read More WHY DOES MY CAT CHECK IF I AM BREATHING?
Do Cats Actually Have 9 Lives? The Science Behind the Myth However, William Shakespeare knew about the saying because he referenced it in his play Romeo and Juliet, written in the late 16th century: "Good king of cats, nothing but one your nine lives." The ancient Egyptians believed these animals were sacred and divine beings with supernatural powers. Cats who sleep in this position are often very social and enjoy being around people.
Deter them from this behavior by cat-proofing your house, such as not placing tempting items like toys, treats and catnip in high places. An old English proverb. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. This means cats can survive situations that other animals might not be able to, making them seem like they have more lives than most. Admired for their cleanliness, cats are considered "the quintessential pet" by Muslims. She cooks arguably the best chicken parmesan in the world, and also has impeccable taste in Bollywood music. 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. 2. Despite their work as mousers, cats retained their air of mystique. Are you wondering if your furball is an under-covered sensitive? There is no scientific evidence to support either claim, so it is ultimately up to each individual to decide what they believe. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. When a saying gets to be over 400 years old, it's usually very difficult to track its exact origin. The result, then, is fewer cavities. Whod have thought that Islam would help to cure my mothers ailurophobia and turn her into a fully fledged cat-lover? Cats who sleep in this position are usually very independent and self-sufficient. I love cats with a passion. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. 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. I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. 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. Mothers being mothers, she also spoke to lots of different Muslims about their cats, and eventually, her fears melted away. Every day, my mother spends hours gawking at him, besotted. The belief that cats have nine lives is simply a myth or superstition passed down through generations. All placental mammals like cats, which are mammals with placenta, technically have belly buttons. Different cultures have different views on cats and their supposed nine lives. The belief that cats have multiple lives dates back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. Cats who sleep in this position often have a regal air about them and enjoy being the center of attention. In Arabic culture, cats have seven lives, and in some Spanish-speaking nations, the poor kitties only have six lives.