Do cats have nine lives? 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. 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. Read More WHY DOES MY CAT CHECK IF I AM BREATHING? The answer may surprise you. The fact that there is no universal consensus regarding . Another explanation is thatcats have a high pain threshold, meaning they can endure injuries that would be deadly to other animals. It is essential to take good care of your cat, keep them safe from harm, and provide them with proper nutrition and medical care to ensure they live a healthy and happy life. complete answer on animals.howstuffworks.com, View While Muslims are completely free to live with cats, they must treat the cats well. notachadbro 3 yr. ago. 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. It is thought the departure from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a farming one was beneficial to these ancient cats. 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. In other cases, the number nine has beenassociated with luck or good fortune. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Why does my dog act like a cat but I don't have a cat? The answer to this question has been a mystery for centuries. The Egyptians believed that cats were magical creatures with the power to come back to life after death. Why do cats use litter boxes and dogs don't? Reptiles, marsupials, and fish, in contrast, do not have belly buttons. I mean, Ive never actually been reincarnated so I cant say for sure. They were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was often depicted with the head of a cat. "Cats have nine lives" is a saying that has been around for hundreds of years at least. That's because they were born via eggs or some other mode to incubate the baby other than a placenta. 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. Theyre always the first to try new things and theyre always up for a challenge. Find info on vets or breeds or laugh at funny cats. This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than you'd imagine. ), temperature, interoreceptors (e.g. Ageing in cats begins rapidly, but slows down as they get older. Some cats have personalities that stand out from, Read More CAN A CAT BE EVIL? Once youve wrapped the post to your desired height, cut off any excess rope and staple the end down. These 7 Signs Will Help You Find Out, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. However, there is no denying that cats are amazing creatures that have the ability to heal quickly and survive falls from great heights. Cats have long been associated with having multiple lives, but is there any truth to the idea that female cats have nine lives in particular? So, do cats actually have nine lives? Well the phrase cats have nine lives is an ancient one and can be traced to those times when magic was popular. [2] According to many hadith, the Islamic prophet Muhammad prohibited the persecution and killing of cats. Cats Are Modern Day Ninjas. Instead, the Japanese believe thatcats have the power to change their fate. She cooks arguably the best chicken parmesan in the world, and also has impeccable taste in Bollywood music. Seconds later, a member of the crowd lifts up the cat and the whole stadium erupts in cheers. This is because they have a unique ability to regenerate their cells. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Thats right, just like you and me, your cat has a zodiac sign that says a lot about their personality. So, despite the odds, I got a kitten. Preparing to attend prayer, he began to dress himself; however, he soon discovered his cat Muezza sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. Horus is seen on the right and Atum to the left of Horus. Of all the cat myths and misconceptions out there, one of the most persistent is that cats have lives to spare. Christine Brovelli-O'Brien, Ph.D., is a writer, STEAM educator, and long-time cat mom. In this video, . We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Another theory is that the seven lives myth is actually a reference to a cats ability to survive falls from great heights. Start by stapling the fabric to the top of the post, wrapping it around the post and stapling it to the bottom. However, it is undeniable that cats are fascinating creatures, and their popularity as pets means that they are likely to continue to be a source of fascination and mystery for years to come. 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. Dogs Have Strong Natural Body Odors Just as cats don't have sweat glands all over their bodies, neither do dogs. 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). Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? BOTTOM LINEContinue, How to know if your cat sees a ghost? 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. Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. 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. I sometimes think she loves him more than me. Your email address will not be published. For the scratching post itself, youll need a sturdy piece of wood (at least 2 feet tall), a piece of sisal rope, and some carpet or fabric. So, which is it? Cats have almost a supernatural ability to move from a low, crouching position to a high, long leap in a matter of seconds. In some cultures, cats have 9 lives, while in others, 7. As with most oral storytelling, there is no evidence of when or where this famous English quotation was first documented. Yet as a nation, we compare cats unfairly to dogs. Aquarius (January 20 February 18): The Aquarius cat is the true independent. However, they are not necessarily associated with the number nine. However, there are a few theories about why cats may have nine lives belief is so popular. 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? This means that they are less likely to be injured than other animals, which may lead people to believe that they have more lives. Another theory is that the number nine has been considered a lucky number in some cultures, and cats have been associated with good luck and mystical powers. Since ancient times, people have observed cats surviving the most incredible falls and getting through incredible life-threatening situations. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Image Credit: Ivanova N, Shutterstock Egyptian Gods The number nine may originate from ancient Egypt. It felt like a sacrifice for her, but she knew how much I wanted one. These stories may have also contributed to the belief that cats had nine lives. No matter how spectacular their leaping skills are, keep in mind that cats are not indestructible and don't always land on their feet. InAncient Egypt,cats were considered to be sacred animals. Nine is also symbolic in Islamic, Greek and Roman Catholic cultures, to name a few. There is a famous tale told in the Muslim community about the Prophet Muhammads relationship with cats. Do cats really have 9 lives? Cats check if you are breathing, especially at night, because they have not seen you moving for several hours. In the meantime, we can only speculate why these furry creatures seem so resilient. They have a strong survival instinct and are able to recover from injuries that would be fatal to other animals. I'll take one, and, depending on how you treat me after that, I might beat the other eight out of you too. They are also extremely quick at being able to react when danger presents itself.". Many Egyptian families would keep cats as pets and even feed them their food. Why does my cat check if I am breathing? Finally, some people believe thatcats can see ghostsand other spirits. For thousands of years, people have been captivated by cats. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. In other countries and cultures, the number of lives a cat is said to have differs. It's an age-old question that has been argued for centuries. Some cats may only have seven lives, while others may have nine or more. 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. ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. What happens when blood sugar gets too high. However, there is no . What You Need to Know. YfeboAnvakenss 3 yr. ago. 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. 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. There is a way of saying that cats have nine lives in many cultures. We like to think they would always be there for us since they have nine lives, One theory is that the number nine is considered to be a lucky number in many cultures. Taurus (April 20 May 20): The Taurus cat is a true foodie. Historians have traced the importance of cats and the significance of the number nine to the ancient Egyptians, who considered cats sacred. Also lending credence to this myth is that falling cats often land on their feet, using an instinctiverighting reflexto twist their bodies around. In many countries such as Germany, Spain and Turkey, the Common Belief is that cats actually have 7 lives. span I comment. Muslim scholars are divided on the issue of neutering animals. Theyre very loyal to their family and they believe in sticking to tradition. An old English proverb of unknown origin directly references the idea of cats having nine lives. They love to be around people and theyre always the life of the party. Why don't dogs and cats have belly buttons? Have you ever encountered this behavior from your cat? Your email address will not be published. Cats can heal quickly from injuries and areless likely to develop infections. Lets dig into it and see if we can figure it out. I love cats with a passion. It reflects a cats natural instinct to curl up in a tight space to stay warm and protected. 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. The belief that cats have nine lives stems from their reputation for being able to survive falls and other potentially deadly accidents. There is even a famous saying in China:A cat has nine lives but only uses seven.. If youre ever wondering how people come up with ideas like this, just remember that theres no one correct answer. These are just a few of the reasons why scientists are exploring. Theyre also very loyal and theyre always there for their loved ones. Others believe that it is because they are able to see in the dark and avoid danger. In China, nine is associated with the dragon, which is a symbol of power. 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. So, what does your cats zodiac sign say about their personality? Atum-Ra was . They are thought to be ritually clean which is why they're allowed to enter homes and even mosques.. The nine lives myth can be believed by people in Islam, like in other cultures. 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. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS BEHIND THE 9 LIVES OF CATS? 4. So, do I believe that humans have nine lives? ", 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. As humans farmed and stored food, they attracted common prey for cats, such as mice and rats. Whatever the origin of the belief, there is no scientific evidence to support it. The number nine has also been associatedwith luck in various cultures. 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 number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Islam also has that tradition, albeit in a much modified form. They clean themselves, keep their fur relatively knot-free, and they don't need to be potty trained. Theyre also very affectionate and they love to be petted and cuddled. We all have challenges and struggles, and its important to remember everyone is fighting their own battle. Theyre also fiercely independent and they like to do things their own way. 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. For that reason, cats are often depicted in paintings alongside Islamic scholars and bibliophiles. 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. And finally, some cultures believe cats have nine lives because they can heal quickly from injuries. In some cases, cats are considered lucky animals that bring good fortune to their owners. This idea is thought to come from the fact that cats are often able to escape danger, whether its from predators or other hazards. If youre a cat lover, I think youll enjoy this article. So much so, that one of Prophet Muhammads companions was known as Abu Hurairah (Father of the Kittens) for his attachment to cats. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why theyre allowed to enter homes and even mosques. We couldnt help laughing at her overreaction and yet her fear of cats was genuine. This information should not be substituted for a professional veterinary consultation. Some cats can tell you when something terrible is, Read More CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". Morris the Cat strolled onto TV and into Americans' lives in 1969 as the finicky spokes-cat for 9Lives cat food [source: Elliott ]. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. The content presented on this site is meant for informational purposes only. And what is the meaning behind that famous saying? Cats Belong To A Very Special Family They Have The Power Of Lions, Tigers, And Cheetahs In Their Soul. In truth, cats have exactly nine lives in some specific cultures. Sometimes, for whatever reason, cats take a liking to human foods. 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. Some cultures see them as lucky animals that bring good fortune. There is no one answer to this question, as it is still up for debate among scientists. The Prophet himself was a great cat-lover Muezza was the name of his favourite cat. Theyre always looking for ways to keep the peace and theyre always trying to please everyone. But do cats really have nine lives? She says that he is like a playful, charming teenager who doesnt answer back. This is likely due in part to the health problems that can arise from inbreeding. This is likely due to their ability to escape dangerous situations unharmed. Cats are creatures of habit and their favorite sleeping position often reflects their unique personality. Lets look at the science behind cats legendary nine lives and find out if theres any truth to it! Christ died on the ninth hour of the day. In China, the number nine is considered to be lucky. DO CATS BITE THEIR NAILS? Mimicry is when a dog mimics the behavior of another. The myth that cats have multiple lives exists in many cultures across the world, but it is not always nine lives. Cats can do this because they have an unusually flexiblebackboneand no functionalclavicle(collarbone). Now that you know the science behind cats legendary nine lives, its time to put this myth to rest and focus on taking proper care of these beloved pets. You may think your cat has 9 lives. William Shakespeare uses the idiom in Romeo and Juliet which was written around 1595 (6). I could never play fetch with a dog, or get close to one. Despite being a myth, why do they say cats have nine lives? This means that, technically, cats could live forever. 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. Mercutio: Good King of Cats, I want to take one of your nine lives. 3. There are a few benefits to believing that cats have 9 souls. But where did this idea come from? Deter them from this behavior by cat-proofing your house, such as not placing tempting items like toys, treats and catnip in high places. So it is obviously not a possibility. 2. As a result, cats with nine lives are often seen as bringing good fortune. Stock photo of a cat. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. 6. r/Showerthoughts. 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 humans and animals, the main cavity-causing culprit is a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. Its no wonder that cats have earned the reputation of having nine lives! Cats who sleep in this position often have a regal air about them and enjoy being the center of attention. Trim off any excess fabric, and voila! Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Your cat's back legs are so strong that they easily can leap six times their height! But, from what Ive heard and read, it seems like a possibility. Energetic and tormenting as a teenager, hes also slender, cute and as vulnerable as a baby, which I think appeals to my mother. In many cultures, cats are seen as lucky animals, and it is believed that owning a cat can bring good luck. The origin of this saying is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories. In some cultures, cats have seven lives instead of 9. 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. Theyre always striving for perfection and theyre always looking for ways to improve. The details are murky surrounding the origin of the nine lives myth. She has many furry friends and loves to talk about them and share curiosities, tips, and funny stories. Due to how cherished and loved cats are in Islam, the mistreatment of this animal is considered a serious sin. Spooky, isnt it? In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. Let's break down the origins and realities of this myth. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. Even our beloved Prophet (SAW) had a cat on his own, named Muezza, proving cats to be a special animal in Islam. Can you go to the beach with tattoos in Japan? For example, in some Native American cultures, the number nine is considered a lucky number. How many of you have given your cats superpowers? Cats can be evil at times. The ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet was depicted as half cat and half woman. Different cultures have different views on cats and their supposed nine lives. Read more here. Rather than wake her, he used a pair of scissors to cut the sleeve off, leaving the cat undisturbed. When they reach old age, they need more rest and tend to live at a slower pace of life. 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. However, do cats have abilities that make them survive many times after coming close to death? They are curious and like to explore their surroundings. Your email address will not be published. The Egyptians saw their feline friends as divine creatures with supernatural powers. FRIGHTENING? The civilization was known to worship cats, with several deities being depicted as having cat-shaped heads. Tybalt: "What wouldst thou have with me? Do cats have 9 lives? This is a balance reflex that allows them to orientate themselves as they fall in order to land on their feet. Over time, this belief became a popular saying or proverb, and it has been passed down through generations in many cultures worldwide. 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. 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. Pet cats were mummified and buried. Additionally, early Anglo-Saxon settlers of England (originally called Angle-lond), used the number nine in both legal and literary contexts, says Encyclopedia Britannica. We all love our cats. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. POPULAR BELIEFS AND SAYINGS ABOUT CATS AND THE 9 LIVES. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Why do they say cats have nine lives? 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. Theyre also quite reserved and they can be quite stubborn. Cats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. Hi, Im Amanda. The institution, in which domestic felines were sheltered and nourished, was funded by a waqf, along with caretakers' wages, veterinary care and cat food. How exactly would people think cats had 6, 7, or 9 lives? Cats should be provided with enough food, water and given roaming time. With cats being some of the luckiest animals in terms of evading danger, assigning the species seven lives seems appropriate. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have nine lives. How many people are killed by cats each year. What do you call someone with no siblings? Or believe they could see, smell, and predict things we cant? Mothers being mothers, she also spoke to lots of different Muslims about their cats, and eventually, her fears melted away. Are you wondering if your furball is an under-covered sensitive? What You Need to Know! An old English proverb. "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. 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. 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. Some people believe, Read More CAT CRYING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE SUPERSTITION AND 5 MORE!Continue, Can cats sense bad energy? In September, a viral video of a cat hanging off the roof of a football stadium in Miami went viral. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. This period covers age 24-40 in human years.". Much to my disappointment, my mother never wished to join these legions of pet-lovers, particularly when it came to cats.