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. Required fields are marked *. Many superstitions and fantastic stories from many centuries ago surround cats. 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. Cookie Consent Tool. Even going way back to the 1st century when they were thrown from towers, cats have had a habit of cheating death. Keep on reading to find out. This is a popular myth or superstition that has been around for centuries. Dispelling the Myth of Nine Lives For one, cats are not described as having nine lives in all cultures. So I tried my best to convince her. He then smiled and gently stroked his beloved cat three times, giving all cats the ability to land squarely on their feet. Based on this culture, cats are supposed to be treated well and fed appropriately. And as they expanded across the world, so too did the myth of multiple lives. Morris the Cat strolled onto TV and into Americans' lives in 1969 as the finicky spokes-cat for 9Lives cat food [source: Elliott ]. But why was it associated with cats and not any other animal or pet? Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Rather than wake her, he used a pair of scissors to cut the sleeve off, leaving the cat undisturbed. No one knows for sure. Hi, Im Amanda. In some cultures, cats have seven lives instead of 9. 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! Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. The number nine holds significance in numerology, especially due to its composition of three groups of three, like the structure of the English proverb. Historians have traced the importance of cats and the significance of the number nine to the ancient Egyptians, who considered cats sacred. 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! 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. Do cats have nine lives or seven based on popular belief? How Islam conquered my mother's fear of cats - the Guardian Theyre also very affectionate and they love to cuddle. The Egyptians believed that cats were magical creatures with the power to come back to life after death. Do they real have nine lives? Admired for their cleanliness, cats are considered "the quintessential pet" by Muslims. However, there is no . This is thought to relate to seven being considered a magical number related to good luck. To the Ancient Greeks, it represented a magic number and is associated with the gods. 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. Do Cats Have Nine Lives? The Myth Explained - Newsweek She created Dorkycats.com to help cat owners learn more about their furry feline friends! Nonetheless, cats can still be injured or killed by a high fall. Can you go to the beach with tattoos in Japan? For example, in Islam, the significance of the number nine is much like in the Indian thought of Sanatana . 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. Some say that cats have nine lives, while others believe that they have infinite lives. 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. 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. They say that nine is "the trinity of trinities" and believe that cats most definitely have multiple lives. They are able to come away from these perilous drops because of what is known as their "righting reflex." [3] Abu Hurairah reported that he had heard Muhammad declare that a pious woman went to Hell for after she had been annoyed by a female cat, tied her with a rope and neglected to provide her with food and water until she died. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic . The number of dog nipples depends on the breed, Dr. Chayasriwong says. [1], In Islamic tradition, cats are admired for their cleanliness. Nine is also symbolic in Islamic, Greek and Roman Catholic cultures, to name a few. Egyptians believed that cats were reincarnated six times, which may have led to the belief that they have six lives. Mothers being mothers, she also spoke to lots of different Muslims about their cats, and eventually, her fears melted away. Throughout history, cats have been said to have nine lives. However, they are still susceptible to disease and accidents, which can shorten their lives. This is even true at night due to their ability to see adequately in the dark. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. "They haven't lost their instincts to huntwhich means they can survive without human help. What's the best age to learn an instrument? In Spain and other Spanish speaking nations, cats are said to have seven lives. This information should not be substituted for a professional veterinary consultation. How many people are killed by cats each year. "And finally, they don't take abuse. And when wild cats began to live more closely with human beings around . The belief that cats have nine lives stems from their reputation for being able to survive falls and other potentially deadly accidents. When a saying gets to be over 400 years old, it's usually very difficult to track its exact origin. In some cases, cats are considered lucky animals that bring good fortune to their owners. Some cats may only have seven lives, while others may have nine or more. 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? 15 Lovely Benefits of Cats in Islam for Every Muslim How many lives do cats have? Do cats have nine lives, or do they really have seven? William Shakespeare uses the idiom in Romeo and Juliet which was written around 1595 (6). The number nine has also been associatedwith luck in various cultures. One could say that many cultures have a unique take on what cats mean spiritually to them. There is a famous tale told in the Muslim community about the Prophet Muhammads relationship with cats. 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. This belief likely comes from cats surviving fallsfrom great heights and other seemingly impossible situations. In ancient Chinese culture, nine is considered to be one of the luckiest numbers of all and quickly became associated with the feline kind. For example, they believed it took nine days to fall from heaven to Earth. We may never know the exact origin of the myth. We like to think they would always be there for us since they have nine lives, Another benefit is that it can help people be more mindful of their lives. Ageing in cats begins rapidly, but slows down as they get older. Preparing to attend prayer, he began to dress himself; however, he soon discovered his cat Muezza sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. Your email address will not be published. Cats also have an extra flexible spine that allows them to move their bodies fast and in the most unique positions. Studies show the average cat may only live to be 14 years old, which is the equivalent of age 70 in human years. DO CATS BITE THEIR NAILS? Why does my dog act like a cat but I don't have a cat? Cats who sleep in this position are usually very independent and self-sufficient. ats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. 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. We may also be more cautious in treating them for fear of injuring them and taking away one of their nine lives. 2. The domestic cat is a revered animal in Islam. This is a question that I get asked a lot, and to be honest, Im not entirely sure what the answer is. But, its definitely something to think about. 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. InAncient Egypt,cats were considered to be sacred animals. With dogs you get what you see they have no hidden traits or personality quirks. While cats are skilled at survival, they are not invincible and can be injured or killed like any other animal. 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". In others, they are considered to be sacred creatures. Additionally, early Anglo-Saxon settlers of England (originally called Angle-lond), used the number nine in both legal and literary contexts, says Encyclopedia Britannica. 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. 10 Cats Who Made History | HowStuffWorks Cats are capable of doing things that allow them to avoid danger and survive when other animals might not be so fortunate. There is also an ancient proverb that claims, A cat has nine lives. Im not sure. The idea of nine lives may also have come from Shakespeare or traditional sayings. Let's break down the origins and realities of this myth. An old English proverb. As a result, the number 9 was often seen as having great significance in Greek Mythology. It suffered a chipped tooth and a collapsed lung and was sent home from the vet after two days. Shed always found them evil and scary, but when I wanted a cat in lockdown I appealed to my mums faith. Many people think of cats as aloof and uncaring, but believing they have 9 lives can change how you see them. Leo (July 23 August 22): The Leo cat is the true king or queen of the household. When they reach old age, they need more rest and tend to live at a slower pace of life. In Japan, cats are also seen as lucky creatures. 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. Use the groups and forums to connect and share with friends. It helps that he has beautiful green eyes and the softest fur, too. 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). CAT CRYING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE SUPERSTITION AND 5 MORE! ", 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. The content presented on this site is meant for informational purposes only. If youre ever wondering how people come up with ideas like this, just remember that theres no one correct answer. 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. [7], Many Muslims believe that Muezza (or Muizza; Arabic: ) was Muhammad's favorite cat. 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? Much to my disappointment, my mother never wished to join these legions of pet-lovers, particularly when it came to cats. And if youre not a cat lover, well, maybe it will help you understand us a little better! Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Alderton-Sell explained that as cats mature, from age 7-10, they start to slow down a bit and put on weight. So, which is it? Theyre always mysterious and theyre always seeming to know more than theyre letting on. Based on popular beliefs, cats are believed to have nine lives, or even 7. Their impressive jumping skills are due to the muscle mass and the length of their hind legs. DorkyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Of all the cat myths and misconceptions out there, one of the most persistent is that cats have lives to spare. Cats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. They are required to be granted freedom of movement. The origin of this saying is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories. [8][9] Muhammad awoke one day to the sounds of the adhan. Pet cats were mummified and buried. 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 might change how we interact with them because we may be more careful around them. There are a few theories as to why people believe that cats have nine lives. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. She'll get exercise and you won't get a ruined staircase. If you love your cat but not the destruction they wreak on your furniture, you may be considering a DIY cat scratching post. Finally, some people believe thatcats can see ghostsand other spirits. Join. 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. Do cats have 9 lives? Scientists call this righting reflex. Few have made progress; many have, Read More CAN CATS SMELL CANCER? Cats can do this because they have an unusually flexiblebackboneand no functionalclavicle(collarbone). The myth is attributed to the natural suppleness, and swiftness cats exhibit to escape life-threatening situations. So, while science cant prove that cats have nine lives, it can certainly explain why the myth has existed for so long! There are feral cats all over the world. Arab countries tend to say that cats have six lives. They are confident and like to be in control. Have you ever wondered if cats really have nine lives? (I can relate! Theosophy believes that cats are endowed with something special that makes them so agile that they can cheat death in most dangerous situations. Well, shes not wrong. notachadbro 3 yr. ago. What You Need to Know. here are a few proverbs and sayings related to the belief that cats have nine lives: Its worth noting that while these proverbs and sayings are often used in popular culture, they are not based on any factual evidence, and cats only have one life, just like any other animal. Even the most affectionate and characterful cat may make a poor first impression. In fact, the number of lives a cat has varies depending on the culture. If youre a cat person, you know that each feline friend has their own unique personality. Scorpio (October 23 November 21): The Scorpio cat is the true mystery of the zodiac. The number was also considered holy, as it was the last digit in the Greek numerical system. Additionally, since time immemorial, cats have been feared for being magical. While cats do not have nine lives, but just one, it is commonly believed that those animals have additional powers that allow them to live through impossible odds. I love cats with a passion. 4. Therefore, it is believed that cats have nine lives because they are considered to be lucky animals. While Muslims are completely free to live with cats, they must treat the cats well. Thus, the need for an umbilical cord is nonexistent. Cats are lucky animals because they often avoid danger. Some people believe the nine lives myth is related to cats' ability to always land on their feet. Dogs Have Strong Natural Body Odors Just as cats don't have sweat glands all over their bodies, neither do dogs. In China, nine is associated with the dragon, which is a symbol of power. 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. Essentially, they are doing more in a shorter period of time than our bodies are. Edward William Lane (18011876), a British Orientalist who resided in Cairo, described a cat garden originally endowed by the 13th-century Egyptian sultan Baibars, whose European contemporaries held a very different attitude towards cats, eating them or killing them under papal decrees. 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. Do cats really have 9 lives? This idea is thought to come from the fact that cats are often able to escape danger, whether its from predators or other hazards. What You Need to Know! 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. We may never know the exact origin of the myth. But because animals aren't consuming a lot of carbohydrates, their mouths aren't inundated with this specific bacterium. The nine lives of cats have been a subject of fascination for centuries. 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). Here are the benefits of cats in Islam: 1. Plus, they get up to so much mischief we want the nine lives saying to be true!". In September, a viral video of a cat hanging off the roof of a football stadium in Miami went viral. These are just a few of the reasons why scientists are exploring. [6] Virgo (August 23 September 22): The Virgo cat is the true perfectionist. Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? - YouTube This is likely due in part to the health problems that can arise from inbreeding. Another explanation is thatcats have a high pain threshold, meaning they can endure injuries that would be deadly to other animals. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? In some cultures, cats have 9 lives, while in others, 7. Cats are known for their agility and flexibility, which allows them to land on their feet even when falling from great heights. One New York cat is known to have survived a fall of 32 stories. One possibility is thatcats have better reflexesthan other animals, which helps them escape dangerous situations. Seconds later, a member of the crowd lifts up the cat and the whole stadium erupts in cheers. Islam also has that tradition, albeit in a much modified form. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Some of them even remember things that they couldnt possibly know unless they had actually lived through them. I have four cats of my own, and I frequently foster kittens for a local animal shelter. Throughout lockdown, pet ownership has surged. Over time, this belief became a popular saying or proverb, and it has been passed down through generations in many cultures worldwide. However, they are not necessarily associated with the number nine. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Cats are creatures of habit and their favorite sleeping position often reflects their unique personality. Cats check if you are breathing, especially at night, because they have not seen you moving for several hours. Capricorn (December 22 January 19): The Capricorn cat is the true traditionalist. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. 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. Theyre also very affectionate and they love to cuddle. Cats can sense bad energy and alert you when there is something wrong. 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". Ive done the same thing with a can of wet food.) If you have observed a cat falling, you may have seen that they open its paws apart, forming a sort of parachute. Islam is a loving and caring religion, and Muslims who have faith in Islam must spread the love to every being on Earth, including the cats. 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? Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. However, do cats have abilities that make them survive many times after coming close to death? Some believe that cats have nine lives, while others believe they have seven. So it is obviously not a possibility. Some cats have personalities that stand out from, Read More CAN A CAT BE EVIL? Instead, the Japanese believe thatcats have the power to change their fate. However, there are a few theories about why cats may have nine lives belief is so popular. My first attempt to persuade her failed, in the end my mothers fears won out. Growing up I was always aware of this hostility. Theyre always the first to try new things and theyre always up for a challenge. Here is the truth about cats. 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. Regardless of its origins, the belief that cats have nine lives is widespread. Do cats have nine lives? They were believed to have been created by thegoddess Bastetand were thought to be able to ward off evil spirits. By the time cats made their way to England, however, they were revered more for their ability to ward off rodents than to reincarnate. Yet as a nation, we compare cats unfairly to dogs. In Hinduism, nine is considered a complete and divine number. Do Cats Actually Have 9 Lives - CatsWorldClub.com 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. He suddenly sneaks on you while you sleep and starts checking whether you are breathing. The site is also monetized with affiliate programs from LinkShare, CJ, ShareASale, and other networks, at no additional cost to you. Another theory is that the six lives myth is based on the fact that cats are relatively resilient animals. The Truth About Cats and Their Nine Lives | Diamond Pet Foods All placental mammals like cats, which are mammals with placenta, technically have belly buttons. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six 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. I used my religion to convince her. For example, the numbernine is often considered the final number in a set of ten. Do female cats really have nine lives? - YouTube Due to this reflex, cats can land on all four paws, making them survive very high falls. Cats Are Modern Day Ninjas. The answer may surprise you. Almost two-thirds of new owners are aged between 16 and 34 and 56% of new pet owners have children at home. Theyre also very passionate and they can be quite stubborn. Theyre also very intelligent and theyre always up for a challenge. 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. Cats have acute senses and know they should not jump from a balcony if it is too high. Theres no way to know for sure, but its certainly an interesting theory. Have cats been blessed with nine lives? They clean themselves, keep their fur relatively knot-free, and they don't need to be potty trained. What personality disorder does the Grinch have? It says: "A cat has nine lives. WHY, ADVICE AND REMEDIES. Lastly, believing that cats have 9 lives can also help people to be more compassionate towards others. Every day, my mother spends hours gawking at him, besotted. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? There is no definitive answer to this question as it is largely dependent on the individual cat. Cats communicate subtly and quietly. The number nine has held various significances in different cultures throughout history. If pushed, she has even gone so far as to say: Cats are Satan incarnate, who use their cuteness and adorability to bewitch and do the devils work.. She says that he is like a playful, charming teenager who doesnt answer back. This means cats can survive situations that other animals might not be able to, making them seem like they have more lives than most. Falling #cat saved at #MiamiHurricanes football game at #HardRockStadium #9lives #catsoftiktok @Miami Hurricanes. Your email address will not be published. But, from what Ive heard and read, it seems like a possibility. In other countries and cultures, the number of lives a cat is said to have differs. The tail seems to help, but cats without a tail also have this ability, since a cat mostly turns by moving its legs and twisting its spine in a certain sequence. 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. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have nine lives. complete answer on besidestillwater.net. I could never play fetch with a dog, or get close to one. Learn more. In many cultures, cats are seen as lucky animals, and it is believed that owning a cat can bring good luck. (Click to sign up>>Animalia.pet). Your email address will not be published. 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). 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.