Based on popular beliefs, cats are believed to have nine lives, or even 7. In other countries and cultures, the number of lives a cat is said to have differs. Spooky, isnt it? complete answer on animals.howstuffworks.com, View Regardless of its origins, the belief that cats have nine lives is widespread. According to a myth in many cultures, cats have multiple lives. This is a question that I get asked a lot, and to be honest, Im not entirely sure what the answer is. (Click to sign up>>Animalia.pet). Nevertheless, I still wanted a cat, and desperately needed my mothers approval, so she could allow me to buy a cat from a reputable source, without trying to acquire one clandestinely on the internet. If someone outside of the family killed a cat, that person could be put to death. While in most countries the cat is said to have nine lives, in Arab and Turkish proverbs poor puss has a mere seven lucky lives (something that was then inherited by countries that were invaded by Muslims at some point, like Spain) and in Russia, is said to survive nine deaths (ergo, ten lives). 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.". In September, a viral video of a cat hanging off the roof of a football stadium in Miami went viral. 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! It reflects a cats natural instinct to curl up in a tight space to stay warm and protected. 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 . Additionally, since time immemorial, cats have been feared for being magical. Virgo (August 23 September 22): The Virgo cat is the true perfectionist. Use the groups and forums to connect and share with friends. 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. Taurus (April 20 May 20): The Taurus cat is a true foodie. What does the Bible say about the black horse? And it was a cat who became one of the first media-driven animal celebrities. Your cat's back legs are so strong that they easily can leap six times their height! Deter them from this behavior by cat-proofing your house, such as not placing tempting items like toys, treats and catnip in high places. Despite being a myth, why do they say cats have nine lives? Why do they say cats have nine lives? Cats have 9 lives, and dogs dont because they have a long history that goes back to Ancient Egypt, including mythology. In 1732, Thomas Fuller wrote a book called Gnomologia: Adagies And . InAncient Egypt,cats were considered to be sacred animals. Even the most affectionate and characterful cat may make a poor first impression. Your pet can and will try to get them, so best to keep them out of sight or at a low profile. For thousands of years, people have been captivated by cats. This is because they have a unique ability to regenerate their cells. The Egyptian god Atum (also called Atum-Ra) was thought to take the feline form when visiting the underworld. Hurry up, or I'll smack you on the ears with my sword before you have yours drawn. This is likely due to their ability to escape dangerous situations unharmed. Cats Always Land On Their Feet. Domestication sped up in Ancient Egypt. Theyre always striving for perfection and theyre always looking for ways to improve. We all have challenges and struggles, and its important to remember everyone is fighting their own battle. Is It Scientifically Proven That Cats Have Nine Lives? The Egyptians believed that cats were magical creatures with the power to come back to life after death. This idea is thought to come from the fact that cats are often able to escape danger, whether its from predators or other hazards. I love their intelligence, inquisitiveness and how unassailable they seem. Nonetheless, cats can still be injured or killed by a high fall. They were believed to have been created by thegoddess Bastetand were thought to be able to ward off evil spirits. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your cat lives a long and happy lifeno matter how many times they may have narrowly escaped danger. So, what does your cats zodiac sign say about their personality? It says: "A cat has nine lives. [2] According to many hadith, the Islamic prophet Muhammad prohibited the persecution and killing of cats. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. [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. Do Cats Actually Have 9 Lives? The Science Behind the Myth Do cats really have 9 lives? However, there is no denying that cats are amazing creatures that have the ability to heal quickly and survive falls from great heights. Essentially, they are doing more in a shorter period of time than our bodies are. A cat might stray far away from home, but it will almost always know how to find his way back. How Islam conquered my mother's fear of cats - the Guardian Both cats and dogs can pick up each other's behaviors, and their humans, too. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. No one knows for sure. We all love our cats. Do cats have nine lives, or do they really have seven? They love to explore and theyre always up for a new challenge. Like many teenagers in lockdown, sweating through hours of home learning while struggling to remain positive, I really wanted a cat. With their incredible agilityand apparent ability to avoid certain death on a semi-regular basisthe saying that cats have nine lives has resonated across societies and generations. DorkyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Learn more. But if the cats are ordinary cats and are not causing a nuisance, perhaps it is better to leave them alone to reproduce. How Many Lives Do Cats Have 9 Or 7?[Updated: January 2023] Nine is also symbolic in Islamic, Greek and Roman Catholic cultures, to name a few. Capricorn (December 22 January 19): The Capricorn cat is the true traditionalist. Do cats have 9 lives? Ageing in cats begins rapidly, but slows down as they get older. Theyre also very intelligent and theyre always up for a challenge. 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. Arab countries tend to say that cats have six lives. Bastet had the ability to go back and forth between her human and cat forms, which is speculated to be the origin of the idea that cats have multiple lives. Even before wild cats became domesticated, ancient cultures believed in the cat spirit animal. Why don't dogs and cats have belly buttons? It is highly amusing when I remind my mother how she used to feel about cats: Qais with his mother Shabnam and Milo. 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. But its best to be on the safe side with thebest cat insurance plans. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. As soon as she wakes up, she runs down the stairs to kiss him in the morning. Save my name & email in this browser for the next It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. complete answer on besidestillwater.net. But because animals aren't consuming a lot of carbohydrates, their mouths aren't inundated with this specific bacterium. 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. This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. Cats have almost a supernatural ability to move from a low, crouching position to a high, long leap in a matter of seconds. But why was it associated with cats and not any other animal or pet? However, unlike humans, cats have more vertebrae. 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. Does a cat have 9 lives? So much so, that one of Prophet Muhammads companions was known as Abu Hurairah (Father of the Kittens) for his attachment to cats. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'dorkycats_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dorkycats_com-leader-1-0');This is based on the fact that the word forcat (Neko)is pronounced the same as the word forluck (Neko). So, while we dont know for sure if cats really do have nine lives, they certainly have a reputation for being able to cheat death in some pretty amazing ways. Have you ever encountered this behavior from your cat? Mimicry is when a dog mimics the behavior of another. Sometimes, for whatever reason, cats take a liking to human foods. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper. Almost two-thirds of new owners are aged between 16 and 34 and 56% of new pet owners have children at home. So, the next time you see a cat, remember that it may be one of the nine lives! 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. Why do cats use litter boxes and dogs don't? Whod have thought that Islam would help to cure my mothers ailurophobia and turn her into a fully fledged cat-lover? "Well I only have 7 left and I'm not flexible I'm a fat tub of lard now shut the fuck up so i can get back to my nap" - my cat 2020. Theyre also very loyal and theyre always there for their loved ones. Your email address will not be published. It is thought the departure from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a farming one was beneficial to these ancient cats. And just like our own personalities, these traits can be linked to astrology. Or believe they could see, smell, and predict things we cant? Theyre always looking for ways to keep the peace and theyre always trying to please everyone. Your email address will not be published. Their impressive jumping skills are due to the muscle mass and the length of their hind legs. Dogs have yet to make this reputation. While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have seven lives, there are a few theories that could explain where the idea originated from. Therefore, a cats death was considered unfortunate, and elaborate funerals were often held in their honor. Also lending credence to this myth is that falling cats often land on their feet, using an instinctiverighting reflexto twist their bodies around. 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. Would they think that a cats life is just like a humans life, only with more lives? While certain areas around the world believe that cats have multiple lives, the number nine is not universal. Shed always found them evil and scary, but when I wanted a cat in lockdown I appealed to my mums faith. Do cats really have 9 lives? This theory is supported by the fact that cats have been known to survive falls from great heights and car accidents. No, cats do not have nine lives in Islam. So if youre ever feeling down, just remember that your cat may have seven more lives to live, and theres always time for a fresh start. In my culture, theyre viewed as dirty and if I had even stroked one, I would have to shower. This meant that it was oftenused to represent completeness or perfection. [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]. Do Cats Actually Have 9 Lives - CatsWorldClub.com In Arabic culture, cats have seven lives, and in some Spanish-speaking nations, the poor kitties only have six lives. To the Ancient Greeks, it represented a magic number and is associated with the gods. Another belief about cats is that they have spiritual powers and can bring good luck. Another explanation is thatcats have a high pain threshold, meaning they can endure injuries that would be deadly to other animals. She cooks arguably the best chicken parmesan in the world, and also has impeccable taste in Bollywood music. 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. Cats can sense bad energy and alert you when there is something wrong. Although not meant in super seriousness, the proverb tells that: "A cat has nine lives. Also, Cats are popularly known to have nine lives because they are very agile. DO CATS BITE THEIR NAILS? One theory is that the belief originated with the ancient Egyptians, who revered cats as gods. Most notably, the goddess Bastet's ability to change from human to cat and back again may have promoted the idea that cats have multiple lives because she kept appearing and reappearing. In addition, 9 was seen as asymbol of immortality, as it was the highest number that could be represented in the Greek numerical system. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. "They haven't lost their instincts to huntwhich means they can survive without human help. Contrary to popular belief, cats only have one life. Though fleas can strike all year round, you are most likely to. William Shakespeare uses the idiom in Romeo and Juliet which was written around 1595 (6). In Turkish and Arabic legends, cats have six lives, while in some Spanish speaking regions, as well as in Brazil, Italy, and Greece, people believe that cats have seven lives. There is even a famous saying in China:A cat has nine lives but only uses seven.. Whatever the reason, its clear that cats are considered to be special creatures with some pretty amazing abilities! Are you wondering if your furball is an under-covered sensitive? [1] Furthermore, there is a belief among some Muslims that cats seek out people who are praying.[6]. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. In the article, the author describes how she once found herself in the middle of the night, chasing a kitten around her house with a can of tuna. As a result, the number 9 was often seen as having great significance in Greek Mythology. However, while they are indeed quite resilient, it is not true that they can survive any fall or injury. In China, the number nine is considered to be lucky. Whether or not they have nine lives is still a mystery. In Britain, a hatred for pets is unheard of, any bitterness towards animals is considered completely unacceptable. 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. Or would they think that a cats life is more like a game, where they can use up one of their lives and then start over again? Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? They do not demand walks or need taking outside to poop, and they dont require a lot of space; all you need is a sofa, and soon enough you will have a purring cat sitting on your knees. Hi, Im Amanda. Invest in a cat tree or condo as an outlet for their leaping and climbing skills. No matter how spectacular their leaping skills are, keep in mind that cats are not indestructible and don't always land on their feet. As a result, you may take fewer things for granted and be more present in your life. "And finally, they don't take abuse. 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". 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! In other cases, cats are viewed as powerful and wise creatures that can help protect their owners from harm. ", 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. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Studies show the average cat may only live to be 14 years old, which is the equivalent of age 70 in human years. Another theory is that cats are able to regenerate their cells at a faster rate than other animals. So, as a result, it is thought that having a cat in your life will bring you good luck. The site is also monetized with affiliate programs from LinkShare, CJ, ShareASale, and other networks, at no additional cost to you. Because of this, the myth predates the late 1500s and possibly has ancient origins. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. 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. 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. Some cats can tell you when something terrible is, Read More CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? Based on this culture, cats are supposed to be treated well and fed appropriately. Seconds later, a member of the crowd lifts up the cat and the whole stadium erupts in cheers. Have cats been blessed with nine lives? The article, written by one of the shelters volunteers, is called How One Cat Lovers Feline Craziness Shines Through. Its a great read for anyone who loves cats, and its also a good reminder that even the most dedicated cat people have their moments of feline-induced craziness. Why do cats have litter boxes and dogs don't? Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Do Cats Have 9 Lives (Souls)? Not Really, But Most sources simply cite an "old English proverb"a proverb that mirrors what could arguably be called the three stages of human life, as well: "A cat has nine lives. Cats who sleep in this position are often very active and playful. Are those adorable pets actually evil? Cat behavior expert Celia Haddon told Newsweek: "Some numbers seem to have a special significance and perhaps this is why cats have nine, rather than 10 or eight, lives. FRIGHTENING? With dogs you get what you see they have no hidden traits or personality quirks. Cats started living alongside humans in the Near East during the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago. While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have six lives, there are some interesting theories about why this belief exists. No, cats do not have nine lives in Islam. I have four cats of my own, and I frequently foster kittens for a local animal shelter. For example, you may notice when yourcat is purringor rubbing against your leg, and you may appreciate their presence more. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". However, do cats have abilities that make them survive many times after coming close to death? In humans and animals, the main cavity-causing culprit is a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans. 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. They love to be around their family and theyre very loyal to their loved ones. Next, wrap the sisal rope around the post, stapling it to the wood as you go. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Required fields are marked *. The Egyptians saw their feline friends as divine creatures with supernatural powers. Whatever the origin of the belief, there is no scientific evidence to support it. In Islam, cats are revered and respected. 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. Despite their work as mousers, cats retained their air of mystique. Some cultures see them as lucky animals that bring good fortune. 4. There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that cats have nine lives. Energetic and tormenting as a teenager, hes also slender, cute and as vulnerable as a baby, which I think appeals to my mother. Scorpio (October 23 November 21): The Scorpio cat is the true mystery of the zodiac. 2023 DorkyCats - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Terms Of Service | Privacy Policy | Disclaimers | Contact | About, HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CAT SEES A GHOST? This is likely due in part to the health problems that can arise from inbreeding. These are just a few of the reasons why scientists are exploring. It crops up in a stitch in time saves nine.". The answer to this question has been a mystery for centuries. Theyre also fiercely independent and they like to do things their own way. Cats are also known for their dexterity and agility. One of the superstitions is about cats crying outside the house at night. But in Spain, says Pet Plan UK, you'll hear that cats have seven lives (another number full of symbolic meaning), and Arabic and Turkish legends claim six lives. In Spain and other Spanish speaking nations, cats are said to have seven lives. This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than youd imagine. But do cats really have nine lives? The first known reference to the nine lives myth was in a book by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic . 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATSContinue. Keep on reading to find out. In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. 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. 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. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. Moreover, Cats have long been associated with having nine lives. Then, thread the sisal rope through the hole, tying a knot at the top. 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. 7+ REVEALING SIGNS, CAN A CAT BE EVIL? If a cat "comes back to life" multiple times, the number nine makes sense when looked at from a mystical point of view. The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. The myth that cats have multiple lives exists in many cultures across the world, but it is not always nine lives. Therefore, it makes sense that they would have seven lives. She created Dorkycats.com to help cat owners learn more about their furry feline friends! 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. 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. One possibility is thatcats have better reflexesthan other animals, which helps them escape dangerous situations. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. 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. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? - emojicut.com This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than you'd imagine. Theyre also very independent and they like to do things their own way. That's because they were born via eggs or some other mode to incubate the baby other than a placenta. Heres a guide on how to make your own cat scratching post, complete with all the nitty gritty details. Sometimes, it has been seenas a symbol of completion or perfection. 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." According to authentic narrations, one may make ablution for prayer with the same water that a cat has drunk from. I do not hide that the thought has crossed my mind here and there; somethings that cats do at times make you really think they are out to get you. And why do people believe it? They love to eat and theyre always on the lookout for the best food around. Theyre always living in their own little world and theyre always chasing their dreams. Is it true, or is it just fiction? We are about to find out. Inevitably, it took me a while. Many people think of cats as aloof and uncaring, but believing they have 9 lives can change how you see them. Cats also have super-flexible bones with a light structure and a thick fur all which they use to their advantage. In some cases, cats have even been known to survive falling from great heights. They were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was often depicted with the head of a cat. So, do cats actually have nine lives? 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. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? There are a few benefits to believing that cats have 9 souls. ster Cat is for cat owners and lovers. If you have observed a cat falling, you may have seen that they open its paws apart, forming a sort of parachute. Partly it was based on watching a scary video about a cat in her childhood. So, do cats have nine lives? We may also be more cautious in treating them for fear of injuring them and taking away one of their nine lives. Instead, the Japanese believe thatcats have the power to change their fate. They are able to come away from these perilous drops because of what is known as their "righting reflex." Have you heard about cats having nine lives? So it is obviously not a possibility. Finally, it is sometimes seen as aprecursor of change or transformation.