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". Cats Are Modern Day Ninjas. The idea that cats have nine or seven lives is a commonly held superstition in many cultures worldwide, and it has been popularized in literature, art, and media. 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 certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Cats communicate subtly and quietly. 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.". 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! They Have Extremely Good Agility. But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. 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. Is it true, or is it just fiction? In some cultures, cats have 9 lives, while in others, 7. The idea cats have nine lives may have endured because of their incredible 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. They say that nine is the trinity of trinities and believe that cats most definitely have multiple lives. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. They will leave home if treated badly. Based on this culture, cats are supposed to be treated well and fed appropriately. If youre a cat lover, I think youll enjoy this article. They love to be around people and theyre always the life of the party. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". Ancient Origins of a Cat's Nine Lives The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. They say that nine is "the trinity of trinities" and believe that cats most definitely have multiple lives. Therefore, a cats death was considered unfortunate, and elaborate funerals were often held in their honor. complete answer on halalguidance.com, View In addition, 9 was seen as asymbol of immortality, as it was the highest number that could be represented in the Greek numerical system. Deter them from this behavior by cat-proofing your house, such as not placing tempting items like toys, treats and catnip in high places. Nine is also symbolic in Islamic, Greek and Roman Catholic cultures, to name a few. Cats should be provided with enough food, water and given roaming time. While cats are often known for their agility and ability to escape danger, they are still vulnerable to injury and death like any other animal. 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. 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. 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. 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. span I comment. 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. They love to eat and theyre always on the lookout for the best food around. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. CatsCaress.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. Whatever the reason, it is clear that cats are special creatures with an ability to survive against the odds. Inevitably, it took me a while. The institution, in which domestic felines were sheltered and nourished, was funded by a waqf, along with caretakers' wages, veterinary care and cat food. What do you call someone with no siblings? "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. This is a question that has been asked by many people over the years, and it is one that does not have a definitive answer. We couldnt help laughing at her overreaction and yet her fear of cats was genuine. Others believe that the seven lives refers to the fact that cats have seven different stages in their lives, from kittenhood to old age. 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. Many superstitions and fantastic stories from many centuries ago surround cats. And finally, some cultures believe cats have nine lives because they can heal quickly from injuries. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. However, there are a few theories about why cats may have nine lives belief is so popular. As a result, some people have linked the saying of cats having nine lives with this myththe eight gods, plus Atum-Ra, equal nine lives. Do cats have nine lives or seven based on popular belief? She cooks arguably the best chicken parmesan in the world, and also has impeccable taste in Bollywood music. So, every time a cat dies, it is reborn with a new life. 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. However, there is no . 2. So, while we cant say for sure that cats have nine lives, we can say that they are definitely capable of cheating death! Also, Cats are popularly known to have nine lives because they are very agile. Our feline friends should be treated with the same level of respect that we would grant any other creature in nature, as cats are still animals. 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). Reptiles, marsupials, and fish, in contrast, do not have belly buttons. According to scientists, cats actually have an infinite number of lives. Have you ever wondered if cats really have nine lives? It felt like a sacrifice for her, but she knew how much I wanted one. is a question that has long perplexed cat lovers and scientists alike. As with most oral storytelling, there is no evidence of when or where this famous English quotation was first documented. I don't care who dies in a movie as long as the dog lives? 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. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. In 1732, Thomas Fuller wrote a book called Gnomologia: Adagies And . The belief that cats have nine lives stems from their reputation for being able to survive falls and other potentially deadly accidents. 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. 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. In some cultures, cats have seven lives instead of 9. Cats can sense bad energy and alert you when there is something wrong. The fact that there is no universal consensus regarding . In addition, domestic dogs tend to live shorter lives than wolves. Cats are not immortal, just like us, they have only one life. When a saying gets to be over 400 years old, it's usually very difficult to track its exact origin. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Keep on reading to find out. Hi, Im Amanda. In complete contrast, I am an ailurophile. They clean themselves, keep their fur relatively knot-free, and they don't need to be potty trained. Cats.com went out and did some research to find what makes cats super survivors. They are required to be granted freedom of movement. 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. complete answer on seniorcatwellness.com, View Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Sometimes, for whatever reason, cats take a liking to human foods. Now shes the proud owner of Milo and has researched more about the prevalence of cats in Islam, she says: Cats are a blessing from God, who provide their owners with nothing but happiness and positivity.. Virgo (August 23 September 22): The Virgo cat is the true perfectionist. 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. How many people are killed by cats each year. This is a balance reflex that allows them to orientate themselves as they fall in order to land on their feet. Some say that cats have nine lives because they are able to land on their feet when they fall from a great height. Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Cats have an infinite number of lives, but they dont always live to a ripe old age. Im not sure. [4] According to legend, Abu Saeed's cat saved Muhammad from a snake. About our Ads. They were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was often depicted with the head of a cat. Even the most affectionate and characterful cat may make a poor first impression. 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. "Cats are curious by nature and many love exploring new situations and scenarios, some of which clearly are not good for them," Kelsey said. Should you swerve to avoid hitting an animal? Thus, the need for an umbilical cord is nonexistent. In truth, cats have exactly nine lives in some specific cultures. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? So when I saw this article on the Huffington Post, I just had to share it. They love to be around their family and theyre very loyal to their loved ones. Your email address will not be published. Lastly, believing that cats have 9 lives can also help people to be more compassionate towards others. ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. This is a very popular sleeping position for cats. Dispelling the Myth of Nine Lives For one, cats are not described as having nine lives in all cultures. 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. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and considered to be sacred animals. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATS. [1], The American poet and travel author Bayard Taylor (18251878) was astonished when he discovered a Syrian hospital where cats roamed freely. The Egyptians' obsession with cats is believed to have helped the species disperse around the globe, with felines traveling along trade routes into Europe and beyond. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why theyre allowed to enter homes and even mosques. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS BEHIND THE 9 LIVES OF CATS? These 7 Signs Will Help You Find Out, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. Yes indeed! Theyre always living in their own little world and theyre always chasing their dreams. Heres a look: Aries (March 21 April 19): The Aries cat is a true pioneer. One 2,500-year-old specimen scanned by French scientists in 2019 was found to be several different cats, with a textile ball in the place of the head. 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 same is true in some Asian cultures. In this video, . Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. In Egyptian mythology, the goddess Bastet was often depicted as a cat, and she was believed to have the power to bestow seven lives upon her worshippers. Cats check if you are breathing, especially at night, because they have not seen you moving for several hours. Therefore, it makes sense that they would have seven lives. Whatever the origin of the belief, there is no scientific evidence to support it. In other countries and cultures, the number of lives a cat is said to have differs. If you love your cat but not the destruction they wreak on your furniture, you may be considering a DIY cat scratching post. One theory is that the concept of a cats seven lives comes from Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods and often seen as symbols of good luck. Even our beloved Prophet (SAW) had a cat on his own, named Muezza, proving cats to be a special animal in Islam. In fact, there is even a famous saying in China: "A cat has nine lives but only uses seven." This belief likely comes from the fact that cats can survive falls from great heights and other seemingly impossible situations. Christine Brovelli-O'Brien, Ph.D., is a writer, STEAM educator, and long-time cat mom. Moral status of animals in the ancient world, "Did Nabi (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) have a cat named Muezza? 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. Some regions around Spain believe that cats only have seven lives, while in other Arabic and Turkish legends, cats have six lives. Mimicry is when a dog mimics the behavior of another. "Cats have nine lives" is a saying that has been around for hundreds of years at least. The domestic cat is a revered animal in Islam. Start by stapling the fabric to the top of the post, wrapping it around the post and stapling it to the bottom. Many Egyptian families would keep cats as pets and even feed them their food. Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? Trim off any excess fabric, and voila! 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. My first attempt to persuade her failed, in the end my mothers fears won out. 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. Do cats have 9 lives? She created Dorkycats.com to help cat owners learn more about their furry feline friends! 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. 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. Stories about cats surviving huge falls are commonplace. Is It Scientifically Proven That Cats Have Nine Lives? Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Theyre always mysterious and theyre always seeming to know more than theyre letting on. Falling #cat saved at #MiamiHurricanes football game at #HardRockStadium #9lives #catsoftiktok @Miami Hurricanes. The myth is attributed to the natural suppleness, and swiftness cats exhibit to escape life-threatening situations. For thousands of years, people have been captivated by cats. Some cats have personalities that stand out from, Read More CAN A CAT BE EVIL? Shed always found them evil and scary, but when I wanted a cat in lockdown I appealed to my mums faith. Cats started living alongside humans in the Near East during the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago. Cats can be evil at times. Throughout lockdown, pet ownership has surged. There is no definitive answer to this question as it is largely dependent on the individual cat. 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. Energetic and tormenting as a teenager, hes also slender, cute and as vulnerable as a baby, which I think appeals to my mother. So they have evolved to be escape artists. But why was it associated with cats and not any other animal or pet? If youre a cat person, you know that each feline friend has their own unique personality. Now she does everything for him: cleans out his litter tray, feeds him and plays with him. Atum-Ra was . One theory is that the number nine is considered to be a lucky number in many cultures. They like their own space and can be a bit aloof. The sun god Atum-Ra was said to take the form of a cat so he could visit the underworld. We may never know the exact origin of the myth.