She created Dorkycats.com to help cat owners learn more about their furry feline friends! Some say that cats have nine lives, while others believe that they have infinite lives. Cats have 9 lives, and dogs dont because they have a long history that goes back to Ancient Egypt, including mythology. Hi, Im Amanda. Cats have acute senses and know they should not jump from a balcony if it is too high. blood pressure, bladder stretch). In some cases, cats have even been known to survive falling from great heights. 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. Yes indeed! What we do know, notes Science magazine, is that the fascination with cats dates way back to about 12,000 years ago in the homes and places of worship of the ancient Egyptians. There is a way of saying that cats have nine lives in many cultures. But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. . This is likely due in part to the health problems that can arise from inbreeding. Or maybe because it comes from the Welsh, where nine steps was used to measure legal distances. She also talks about how shes had to learn to be more patient with her cats, and how shes come to appreciate the quirks that make each of them unique. Aside from those theories, the number 9 itself is considered lucky or special in many religions and belief systems around the world in Christianity (a "trinity of trinities"), in . . In other countries and cultures, the number of lives a cat is said to have differs. Use the groups and forums to connect and share with friends. In some cultures, cats have 9 lives, while in others, 7. Scientists call this righting reflex. Cookie Consent Tool. 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? Well the phrase cats have nine lives is an ancient one and can be traced to those times when magic was popular. The number nine holds significance in numerology, especially due to its composition of three groups of three, like the structure of the English proverb. Start by drilling a hole through the center of your piece of wood. I have trained dogs ranging from standard poodles to golden retrievers to border collies and now the passion of my life is working with aggressive dogs with behavioral issues in order to help them be more confident, calm and easygoing dogs who are well-behaved in their own homes. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. 5. 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. 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). She vividly remembers watching a black cat, with daunting green eyes, jumping into a mans mouth and suffocating him. [6] notachadbro 3 yr. ago. This is a question that I get asked a lot, and to be honest, Im not entirely sure what the answer is. Here Are 9 Secret Reasons Why Cats Really Have 9 Lives. If they do, theres a punishment whoever owns the dog loses good deeds each day, although there are exceptions to this rule. Contrary to popular belief, cats only have one life. Have cats been blessed with 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. So it is obviously not a possibility. 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. After all, we are considered a zoophilist nation. And as they expanded across the world, so too did the myth of multiple lives. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 9: vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, pain, mechanoreception (balance etc. I sometimes think she loves him more than me. 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. The story goes that Muhammad awoke one day to the call of prayer. It can range from 6 to 10 on average, she explains. Theyre always doing their own thing and theyre never afraid to be different. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? Some cats may only have seven lives, while others may have nine or more. I have four cats of my own, and I frequently foster kittens for a local animal shelter. And what is the meaning behind that famous saying? Haddon said: "Cats are small animals that can be preyed upon by bigger ones such as wolves, dogs, coyotes, large constrictor snakes, leopards etc. So, there you have it. 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. I love cats with a passion. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDAContinue, Are you curious about the cat crying outside my house superstition? This theory is supported by the fact that cats have been known to survive falls from great heights and car accidents. complete answer on animals.howstuffworks.com, View Some people believe that dogs have one life, while others believe that they have multiple lives. So, where did the idea that cats have nine lives come from? What You Need to Know. [7], Many Muslims believe that Muezza (or Muizza; Arabic: ) was Muhammad's favorite cat. Along with, Cats are said to have seven lives in Spain and other Spanish speaking nations. Cats can twist their bodies mid-air and land on their feet, thanks to their flexible spine and inner ear. If a cat "comes back to life" multiple times, the number nine makes sense when looked at from a mystical point of view. "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. We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. As humans farmed and stored food, they attracted common prey for cats, such as mice and rats. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. Without an umbilical cord, a belly button cannot be created. Whatever the origin of the belief, there is no scientific evidence to support it. 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.com went out and did some research to find what makes cats super survivors. [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. Theres no way to know for sure, but its certainly an interesting theory. They are thought to be ritually clean, and are thus allowed to enter homes[1] and even mosques, including Masjid al-Haram. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases, About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Contact Us. 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. As he began to dress he discovered that Muezza was sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. However, while they are indeed quite resilient, it is not true that they can survive any fall or injury. However, the truth is that we dont really know how many lives cats have. Across the U.S. there are almost 60 million pet cats, with around one in four households having a feline companion. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have nine lives. This might change how we interact with them because we may be more careful around them. A cat might stray far away from home, but it will almost always know how to find his way back. Food sampled by cats is considered halal, in the sense that their consumption of the food does not make it impermissible for Muslims to eat, and water from which cats have drunk is permitted for wudu (the ablution that is done by Muslims). Mercutio: Good King of Cats, I want to take one of your nine lives. [1], One of Muhammad's companions was known as Abu Hurairah (literally: "Father of the Kitten") for his attachment to cats. It suffered a chipped tooth and a collapsed lung and was sent home from the vet after two days. "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. 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. Even Though Small, Cats Are Likely To Take Out A Much Bigger And Scarier Animal. The fact that there is no universal consensus regarding . Theyre also very affectionate and they love to be petted and cuddled. When they reach old age, they need more rest and tend to live at a slower pace of life. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. 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. One theory is that the belief originated with the ancient Egyptians, who revered cats as gods. With dogs you get what you see they have no hidden traits or personality quirks. 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. This might change how we interact with them because we may believe they have special abilities and can help us in our lives. Even our beloved Prophet (SAW) had a cat on his own, named Muezza, proving cats to be a special animal in Islam. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. Most dogs are symmetrical, meaning they have an even number of nipples on both sides. Read more here. This is a balance reflex that allows them to orientate themselves as they fall in order to land on their feet. Ancient Origins of a Cat's Nine Lives The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. She has many furry friends and loves to talk about them and share curiosities, tips, and funny stories. Alderton-Sell explained that as cats mature, from age 7-10, they start to slow down a bit and put on weight. Or believe they could see, smell, and predict things we cant? In Spain and other Spanish speaking nations, cats are said to have seven lives.