For thousands of years, people have been captivated by cats. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". 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. They clean themselves, keep their fur relatively knot-free, and they don't need to be potty trained. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS BEHIND THE 9 LIVES OF CATS? Plus, they get up to so much mischief we want the nine lives saying to be true!". 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. BOTTOM LINEContinue, How to know if your cat sees a ghost? 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". No, cats do not actually have nine lives. This means that when he jumps or accidentally falls from high places, he is able to twist his body around so as to land right on his feet. An old English proverb of unknown origin directly references the idea of cats having nine lives. "Mercutio: "Good king of cats, nothing but one of your ninelives" Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet[Photography by @eMCT] pic.twitter.com/RqSSyd3mf1, Kelsey says the saying has endured because of our connection to felines: "We love cats and want them to be mystical and all powering. No one can say whether cats can see ghosts or not, as there is no scientific evidence to support, Read More HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CAT SEES A GHOST? Like many teenagers in lockdown, sweating through hours of home learning while struggling to remain positive, I really wanted a cat. Theyre also quite reserved and they can be quite stubborn. The number nine holds significance in numerology, especially due to its composition of three groups of three, like the structure of the English proverb. Here Are 9 Secret Reasons Why Cats Really Have 9 Lives. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases, About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Contact Us. It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. Cats have almost a supernatural ability to move from a low, crouching position to a high, long leap in a matter of seconds. 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 institution, in which domestic felines were sheltered and nourished, was funded by a waqf, along with caretakers' wages, veterinary care and cat food. Christine Brovelli-O'Brien, Ph.D., is a writer, STEAM educator, and long-time cat mom. CAT CRYING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE SUPERSTITION AND 5 MORE! I used my religion to convince her. This might change how we interact with them because we may be more careful around them. 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. This is thought to relate to seven being considered a magical number related to good luck. But, from what Ive heard and read, it seems like a possibility. If a cat makes it to 21, that would be like 100 years old in human terms. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. According to a myth in many cultures, cats have multiple lives. 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. 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. According to statistics from the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, there are now 34m pets in the UK including 12m cats and 12m dogs, along with 3.2m small mammals, such as guinea pigs and hamsters, 3m birds and 1.5m reptiles. For that reason, cats are often depicted in paintings alongside Islamic scholars and bibliophiles. In this way, they can slow down the fall. They are also extremely quick at being able to react when danger presents itself.". They say that nine is the trinity of trinities and believe that cats most definitely have multiple lives. They just have 8 totems of undying. The myth is attributed to the natural suppleness, and swiftness cats exhibit to escape life-threatening situations. But where did this idea come from? 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. Cats can sense bad energy and alert you when there is something wrong. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Instead, these glands are located on their paw pads and their noses, which means sweat isn't a major contribution to a dog's bad smell. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. To the Ancient Greeks, it represented a magic number and is associated with the gods. Or maybe because it comes from the Welsh, where nine steps was used to measure legal distances. This means cats can survive situations that other animals might not be able to, making them seem like they have more lives than most. 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. In complete contrast, I am an ailurophile. In Arabic culture, cats have seven lives, and in some Spanish-speaking nations, the poor kitties only have six lives. Stock photo of a cat. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. But there is one annoying trait that makes her different from the other mothers she unequivocally loathes all animals, unless they are in a palatable format, like her chicken parmesan. Theyre also very curious and theyre always exploring their surroundings. All placental mammals like cats, which are mammals with placenta, technically have belly buttons. In my culture, theyre viewed as dirty and if I had even stroked one, I would have to shower. Rather than wake her, he used a pair of scissors to cut the sleeve off, anything as long as the cat could remain sleeping undisturbed. Islam and cats - Wikipedia 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. [1], Cats have been venerated in the Near East since antiquity. For three he plays, for three he strays and for the last three he stays." Read More WHY DOES MY CAT CHECK IF I AM BREATHING? 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. This might change how we interact with them because we may believe they have special abilities and can help us in our lives. In fact, the number of lives a cat has varies depending on the culture. But, its definitely something to think about. 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? That's because they were born via eggs or some other mode to incubate the baby other than a placenta. Here is the truth about cats. ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS TO BELIEVING THAT CATS HAVE 9 SOULS? Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Stories about cats surviving huge falls are commonplace. Some cats may only have seven lives, while others may have nine or more. Theyre also very affectionate and they love to cuddle. Your cat's back legs are so strong that they easily can leap six times their height! Some people believe that dogs have one life, while others believe that they have multiple lives. And what is the meaning behind that famous saying? Thus, the need for an umbilical cord is nonexistent. Are those adorable pets actually evil? Theyre also very passionate and they can be quite stubborn. 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. Ancient Egyptian Gods Horus and Atum. Do Cats Have Nine Lives? The Myth Explained - Newsweek This idea is thought to come from the fact that cats are often able to escape danger, whether its from predators or other hazards. complete answer on wendyvandepoll.medium.com, View It suffered a chipped tooth and a collapsed lung and was sent home from the vet after two days. [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 have long been considered to be lucky animals, and in many cultures, they are thought to have seven lives. This position is often seen in younger cats who are full of energy. 5. Few have made progress; many have, Read More CAN CATS SMELL CANCER? So, do I believe that humans have nine lives? Due to how cherished and loved cats are in Islam, the mistreatment of this animal is considered a serious sin. What we do know is that cats are incredibly resilient creatures. One New York cat is known to have survived a fall of 32 stories. 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. Do they leap on your closet doors, cabinets or fridge? 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. Aquarius (January 20 February 18): The Aquarius cat is the true independent. That's because they were born via eggs or some other mode to incubate the baby other than a placenta. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. 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. "All this adds up to an amazing survivorship. But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. 4. 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). Would they think that a cats life is just like a humans life, only with more lives? For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". [1], In Islamic tradition, cats are admired for their cleanliness. So, what is the truth? However, the best way to ensure your cats longevity is by providing them with a safe environment and regular checkups from your veterinarian. But its best to be on the safe side with thebest cat insurance plans. They are thought to be ritually clean, and are thus allowed to enter homes[1] and even mosques, including Masjid al-Haram. Historians have traced the importance of cats and the significance of the number nine to the ancient Egyptians, who considered cats sacred. 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. For cats, the theory surrounding the nine lives origin rose in popularity thanks to an old English Proverb. Theyre always living in their own little world and theyre always chasing their dreams. This period covers age 24-40 in human years.". [6] "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. Horus is seen on the right and Atum to the left of Horus. They will leave home if treated badly. Some cultures see them as lucky animals that bring good fortune. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. 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. Additionally, since time immemorial, cats have been feared for being magical. It reflects a cats natural instinct to curl up in a tight space to stay warm and protected. And more importantly, is there any truth to it? Different cultures have different views on cats and their supposed nine lives. WHY DOES MY CAT CHECK IF I AM BREATHING? 10 Cats Who Made History | HowStuffWorks Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? Lets look at the science behind cats legendary nine lives and find out if theres any truth to it! We like to think they would always be there for us since they have nine lives, In some European folklore, there are stories of witches or supernatural beings who could transform into cats and have multiple lives. Yet as a nation, we compare cats unfairly to dogs. Do Cats Have 9 Lives? Get The Comprehensive Facts Here - FelineLiving.net While Muslims are completely free to live with cats, they must treat the cats well. 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. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and considered to be sacred animals. 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. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Every day, my mother spends hours gawking at him, besotted. One is that it can give people a deeper appreciation and love for cats. William Shakespeare also references nine lives in his 1597 tragedy Romeo and Juliet, appearing in Act 3, Scene 1 during a fight between Tybalt and Mercutio. Muslim scholars are divided on the issue of neutering animals. In other cases, the number nine has beenassociated with luck or good fortune. Regardless of its origins, the belief that cats have nine lives is widespread. And finally, some cultures believe cats have nine lives because they can heal quickly from injuries. How many people are killed by cats each year. My first attempt to persuade her failed, in the end my mothers fears won out. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have nine lives. Cats are just fascinating creatures, and theres always room for interpretation when it comes to their lives. There are feral cats all over the world. In many cultures, seven is associated with good luck, so it makes sense that cats, which are often considered to be lucky animals, would be said to have seven lives. Do Cats Actually Have 9 Lives? The Science Behind the Myth According to scientists, cats actually have an infinite number of lives. One belief about cats is that they have nine lives. One of the superstitions is about cats crying outside the house at night. Cats of reddit, do you have 9 lives and how are you so flexible? That being said, cats do experience a certain degree of protection from danger due to their agility and reflexes, so they may have a bit of an edge when it comes to avoiding harm. Next, wrap the sisal rope around the post, stapling it to the wood as you go. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. This is because they have a unique ability to regenerate their cells. The ancient Egyptians believed these animals were sacred and divine beings with supernatural powers. So, do cats really have seven lives? Then, thread the sisal rope through the hole, tying a knot at the top. However, there is no . First, youll need to gather your supplies. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? When they reach old age, they need more rest and tend to live at a slower pace of life. This information should not be substituted for a professional veterinary consultation. In fact, the Egyptians were so enamored with their feline friends that when a cat died, the entire household would shave off their eyebrows as a sign of mourning. There is a famous tale told in the Muslim community about the Prophet Muhammads relationship with cats. In the end, there was only one approach that I knew could work. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. So I tried my best to convince her. Schrodinger's Experiment proves that cats do not have 9 lives. Dammit Sabrina I told you to stay off reddit. 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. Do Cats Actually Have 9 Lives? The Science Behind the Myth There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that cats have nine lives. Cat meaning and symbolism includes elegance, curiosity, independence, protection, magic, and other notable qualities. A version of each of us lives in the minds of other people - from a person who briefly sees us out on the street, to our closest loves ones who know us for decades, and everyone in between. Cats can twist their bodies mid-air and land on their feet, thanks to their flexible spine and inner ear. Why do cats have litter boxes and dogs don't? But there is one annoying trait that makes her different from the other mothers she unequivocally loathes all animals, unless they are in a palatable format, like her chicken parmesan. In some cases, cats have even been known to survive falling from great heights. All fields are required. Theosophy believes that cats are endowed with something special that makes them so agile that they can cheat death in most dangerous situations. What's the best age to learn an instrument? Another benefit is that it can help people be more mindful of their lives. 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. Mercutio: Good King of Cats, I want to take one of your nine lives. Can cats smell cancer? It crops up in a stitch in time saves nine.". Even before wild cats became domesticated, ancient cultures believed in the cat spirit animal. No one knows for sure. I could never play fetch with a dog, or get close to one. Another theory is that the six lives myth is based on the fact that cats are relatively resilient animals. One theory is that the belief originated from Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. Cats who sleep in this position are often very social and enjoy being around people. 7+ REVEALING SIGNS, CAN A CAT BE EVIL? Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. Though fleas can strike all year round, you are most likely to. What personality disorder does the Grinch have? How Islam conquered my mother's fear of cats - the Guardian Theres no one answer to this question since its more of a saying or superstition than anything else. Egyptians believed that cats were reincarnated six times, which may have led to the belief that they have six lives. Your email address will not be published. Much to my disappointment, my mother never wished to join these legions of pet-lovers, particularly when it came to cats. The belief that cats have nine lives is simply a myth or superstition passed down through generations. Why do we say that cats have nine lives? - Encyclopaedia Felidae ats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. The number nine has significance to many early cultures. Why does my dog act like a cat but I don't have a cat? Virgo (August 23 September 22): The Virgo cat is the true perfectionist. Energetic and tormenting as a teenager, hes also slender, cute and as vulnerable as a baby, which I think appeals to my mother. 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. Some say that cats have nine lives, while others believe that they have infinite lives. The result, then, is fewer cavities. She created Dorkycats.com to help cat owners learn more about their furry feline friends! Your email address will not be published. Do Cats Actually Have 9 Lives - CatsWorldClub.com So, what does your cats zodiac sign say about their personality? Cats are pretty tidy creatures. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why theyre allowed to enter homes and even mosques. We all have challenges and struggles, and its important to remember everyone is fighting their own battle. Dispelling the Myth of Nine Lives For one, cats are not described as having nine lives in all cultures. Even the most affectionate and characterful cat may make a poor first impression. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDA. In the meantime, we can only speculate why these furry creatures seem so resilient. Christ died on the ninth hour of the day. 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. Nine is also symbolic in Islamic, Greek and Roman Catholic cultures, to name a few. Some people believe, Read More CAT CRYING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE SUPERSTITION AND 5 MORE!Continue, Can cats sense bad energy? 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). [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]. Why dog is prohibited in islam? Updated January 2023 | Wikidoggia She vividly remembers watching a black cat, with daunting green eyes, jumping into a mans mouth and suffocating him. This is a question that I get asked a lot, and to be honest, Im not entirely sure what the answer is. How exactly would people think cats had 6, 7, or 9 lives? Next, its time to put your post together. Another theory is that the seven lives myth is actually a reference to a cats ability to survive falls from great heights. Some of them even remember things that they couldnt possibly know unless they had actually lived through them. Moral status of animals in the ancient world, "Did Nabi (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) have a cat named Muezza? They are confident and like to be in control. Falling #cat saved at #MiamiHurricanes football game at #HardRockStadium #9lives #catsoftiktok @Miami Hurricanes. This position is relatively rare and is often seen in cats who are very relaxed and comfortable in their environment. For example, dogs have belly buttons as well. The idea cats have nine lives may have endured because of their incredible agility. Learn how to build an easy, homemade DIY cat scratching post using items around your house!