ats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. Theyre also very affectionate and they love to cuddle. 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. Theres no way to know for sure, but its certainly an interesting theory. She created Dorkycats.com to help cat owners learn more about their furry feline friends! Cats have almost a supernatural ability to move from a low, crouching position to a high, long leap in a matter of seconds. Cats are pretty tidy creatures. Do they leap on your closet doors, cabinets or fridge? 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. Without an umbilical cord, a belly button cannot be created. 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 . One possibility is thatcats have better reflexesthan other animals, which helps them escape dangerous situations. This theory is supported by the fact that cats have been known to survive falls from great heights and car accidents. In Turkish and Arabic legends, cats have six lives, while in some Spanish speaking regions, as well as in Brazil, Italy, and Greece, people believe that cats have seven lives. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. I am not alone; a total of 3.2m UK households have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic. I love cats with a passion. Despite their work as mousers, cats retained their air of mystique. The civilization was known to worship cats, with several deities being depicted as having cat-shaped heads. There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that cats have nine lives. 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 fiercely independent and they like to do things their own way. So, there you have it. Despite the differences in the number of lives a cat supposedly has, there exists the one common underlying belief: Cats live more than one life. Much to my disappointment, my mother never wished to join these legions of pet-lovers, particularly when it came to cats. Let's break down the origins and realities of this myth. She says that he is like a playful, charming teenager who doesnt answer back. 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. If someone outside of the family killed a cat, that person could be put to death. Why don't cats and dogs have belly buttons? As with most oral storytelling, there is no evidence of when or where this famous English quotation was first documented. 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 then smiled and gently stroked his beloved cat three times, giving all cats the ability to land squarely on their feet. Additionally, early Anglo-Saxon settlers of England (originally called Angle-lond), used the number nine in both legal and literary contexts, says Encyclopedia Britannica. Regardless of how different cultures view cats, it is clear that these animals hold a special place in our hearts. In many countries, they are believed to have nine lives, but in Italy, Germany, Greece, Brazil, and some Spanish-speaking regions, they are said to have seven lives, while in Turkish and Arabic traditions, the number of lives is six. With their incredible agilityand apparent ability to avoid certain death on a semi-regular basisthe saying that cats have nine lives has resonated across societies and generations. Domestication sped up in Ancient Egypt. Youve made your very own DIY cat scratching post. 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. Even our beloved Prophet (SAW) had a cat on his own, named Muezza, proving cats to be a special animal in Islam. How exactly would people think cats had 6, 7, or 9 lives? Im not sure. Even the most affectionate and characterful cat may make a poor first impression. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. We may never know the exact origin of the myth. So, despite the odds, I got a kitten. They are required to be granted freedom of movement. If you don't have one of those breeds, but your dog still acts like a cat, it might be because of a feline-canine cohabitation or even friendship. Based on popular beliefs, cats are believed to have nine lives, or even 7. Dogs can be hit and abused by cruel owners and will come back for more. Lastly, believing that cats have 9 lives can also help people to be more compassionate towards others. The fact that there is no universal consensus regarding . 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 ancient Chinese culture, nine is considered to be one of the luckiest numbers of all and quickly became associated with the feline kind. 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. The answer may surprise you. Why don't dogs and cats have belly buttons? 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. Why do cats use litter boxes and dogs don't? This is a question that has been debated by cat lovers for centuries. Theyre also very independent and they like to do things their own way. We like to think they would always be there for us since they have nine lives, Whatever the origin of the belief, there is no scientific evidence to support it. ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. The number nine has held various significances in different cultures throughout history. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cats.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. 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. Start by stapling the fabric to the top of the post, wrapping it around the post and stapling it to the bottom. ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS TO BELIEVING THAT CATS HAVE 9 SOULS? Across the U.S. there are almost 60 million pet cats, with around one in four households having a feline companion. Your email address will not be published. This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. But its best to be on the safe side with thebest cat insurance plans. Morris the Cat strolled onto TV and into Americans' lives in 1969 as the finicky spokes-cat for 9Lives cat food [source: Elliott ]. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases, About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Contact Us. The origin of this saying is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. 3. One New York cat is known to have survived a fall of 32 stories. Plus, they get up to so much mischief we want the nine lives saying to be true!". In the end, there was only one approach that I knew could work. Do Cats Have 9 Lives In Islam? Atum-Ra was . When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Hill's Pet, How to Make Your Own DIY Cat Scratching Post, Removing Foul Smelling Cat Odors From Your Home, How One Cat Lover's Feline Craziness Shines Through. They just have 8 totems of undying. What's the best age to learn an instrument? In my culture, theyre viewed as dirty and if I had even stroked one, I would have to shower. "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. Reptiles, marsupials, and fish, in contrast, do not have belly buttons. Although not meant in super seriousness, the proverb tells that: "A cat has nine lives. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATSContinue. 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! 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". 119. The latter is due to them not having a tight collarbone. This meant that it was oftenused to represent completeness or perfection. 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. 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). 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. Another explanation is thatcats have a high pain threshold, meaning they can endure injuries that would be deadly to other animals. Your email address will not be published. If youre a cat lover, I think youll enjoy this article. Theosophy believes that cats are endowed with something special that makes them so agile that they can cheat death in most dangerous situations. Theyre also very affectionate and they love to cuddle. Cats who sleep in this position are often very active and playful. Cats also have an extra flexible spine that allows them to move their bodies fast and in the most unique positions. If a cat makes it to 21, that would be like 100 years old in human terms. Heres a guide on how to make your own cat scratching post, complete with all the nitty gritty details. The site is also monetized with affiliate programs from LinkShare, CJ, ShareASale, and other networks, at no additional cost to you. According to authentic narrations, one may make ablution for prayer with the same water that a cat has drunk from. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATS. Some cats may only have seven lives, while others may have nine or more. 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. In other countries and cultures, the number of lives a cat is said to have differs. Islam also has that tradition, albeit in a much modified form. 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. Some of them even remember things that they couldnt possibly know unless they had actually lived through them. 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. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Dogs Have Strong Natural Body Odors Just as cats don't have sweat glands all over their bodies, neither do dogs. In fact, the number of lives a cat has varies depending on the culture. First, youll need to gather your supplies. The number was also considered holy, as it was the last digit in the Greek numerical system. 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. One theory is that the belief originated from Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. "Cats have nine lives" is a saying that has been around for hundreds of years at least. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDAContinue, Are you curious about the cat crying outside my house superstition? Cats.com went out and did some research to find what makes cats super survivors. [8][9] Muhammad awoke one day to the sounds of the adhan. So the age process, like the other life processes of a dog, is sped up. InGreek Mythology, the number 9 was oftenassociated with the goddesses of love and destiny, such as Aphrodite and Athena. Some cats have personalities that stand out from, Read More CAN A CAT BE EVIL? She comes back from shopping weighed down with presents and toys for him. What does the Bible say about the black horse? 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. Cats have an infinite number of lives, but they dont always live to a ripe old age. Aquarius (January 20 February 18): The Aquarius cat is the true independent. And what is the meaning behind that famous saying? In the Bible, nine was used 49 times and stands for completion. Would they think that a cats life is just like a humans life, only with more lives? This belief likely comes from cats surviving fallsfrom great heights and other seemingly impossible situations. 7+ REVEALING SIGNS, CAN A CAT BE EVIL? Others believe that the seven lives refers to the fact that cats have seven different stages in their lives, from kittenhood to old age. Some believe that cats have nine lives, while others believe they have seven. According to scientists, cats actually have an infinite number of lives. Also, Cats are popularly known to have nine lives because they are very agile. Few have made progress; many have, Read More CAN CATS SMELL CANCER? An old English proverb of unknown origin directly references the idea of cats having nine lives. Since then she has said there is something disturbing about their piercing stare and how quickly they can dart away, vanishing into thin air. I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. One theory is that the belief originated with the ancient Egyptians, who revered cats as gods. If he has an extra sense, or if he pretends to be silly, illogic, and cute while he is a sort of genius? At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. Yes indeed! In addition, 9 was seen as asymbol of immortality, as it was the highest number that could be represented in the Greek numerical system. Cats have acute senses and know they should not jump from a balcony if it is too high. 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. Shed always found them evil and scary, but when I wanted a cat in lockdown I appealed to my mums faith. 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. Theyre always striving for perfection and theyre always looking for ways to improve. Due to how cherished and loved cats are in Islam, the mistreatment of this animal is considered a serious sin. Keeping dogs for hunting, protecting livestock and guarding crops is allowed. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS BEHIND THE 9 LIVES OF CATS? 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. Do cats have nine lives, or do they really have seven? They are confident and secure in their surroundings. For three he plays, for three he strays and for the last three he stays." History has it that nine is a magical number and this could be the reason why nine was the most appropriate to associate to cats. In many countries such as Germany, Spain and Turkey, the Common Belief is that cats actually have 7 lives. Theyre always looking for ways to keep the peace and theyre always trying to please everyone. 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. BOTTOM LINEContinue, How to know if your cat sees a ghost? This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than youd imagine. This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than you'd imagine. Now its time to add the carpet or fabric. Heres a look: Aries (March 21 April 19): The Aries cat is a true pioneer. This is even true at night due to their ability to see adequately in the dark. Cats also have super-flexible bones with a light structure and a thick fur all which they use to their advantage. In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. And if youre not a cat lover, well, maybe it will help you understand us a little better! Its possible that this belief in the mystical power of cats contributed to the idea that they had multiple lives. 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 . YfeboAnvakenss 3 yr. ago. 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. The origins of the nine lives belief are unknown, but there are a number of theories about how it started. complete answer on wendyvandepoll.medium.com, View Next, wrap the sisal rope around the post, stapling it to the wood as you go. She vividly remembers watching a black cat, with daunting green eyes, jumping into a mans mouth and suffocating him. [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. In many cultures, cats are seen as lucky animals, and it is believed that owning a cat can bring good luck. In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. 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. Cats are lucky animals because they often avoid danger. 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. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATS. complete answer on seniorcatwellness.com, View In truth, cats have exactly nine lives in some specific cultures. However, there is no . While cats are skilled at survival, they are not invincible and can be injured or killed like any other animal. So, what is the truth? And why do people believe it? Whod have thought that Islam would help to cure my mothers ailurophobia and turn her into a fully fledged cat-lover? In China, the number nine is considered to be lucky. Cats who sleep in this position are usually very independent and self-sufficient. blood pressure, bladder stretch). This position is often seen in younger cats who are full of energy. Throughout lockdown, pet ownership has surged. They say Curiosity kill cats, but it turns out its actually a lot harder than That. But if the cats are ordinary cats and are not causing a nuisance, perhaps it is better to leave them alone to reproduce. Do cats have 9 lives? Horus is seen on the right and Atum to the left of Horus. We all have challenges and struggles, and its important to remember everyone is fighting their own battle. Trim off any excess fabric, and voila! A cat might stray far away from home, but it will almost always know how to find his way back. Even Though Small, Cats Are Likely To Take Out A Much Bigger And Scarier Animal. Christine Brovelli-O'Brien, Ph.D., is a writer, STEAM educator, and long-time cat mom. Every day, my mother spends hours gawking at him, besotted. There is a famous tale told in the Muslim community about the Prophet Muhammads relationship with cats. Do cats really have 9 lives? In China, nine is associated with the dragon, which is a symbol of power. No matter how spectacular their leaping skills are, keep in mind that cats are not indestructible and don't always land on their feet. [1], Wilfred Thesiger, in his book The Marsh Arabs, notes that cats were allowed free entry to community buildings in villages in the Mesopotamian Marshes, and even fed. Egyptians believed that cats were reincarnated six times, which may have led to the belief that they have six lives. They say that nine is "the trinity of trinities" and believe that cats most definitely have multiple lives. So if youre ever feeling down, just remember that your cat may have seven more lives to live, and theres always time for a fresh start. In other cases, cats are viewed as powerful and wise creatures that can help protect their owners from harm. In many countries such as Germany, Spain and Turkey, the Common Belief is that cats actually have 7 lives. Will you pull your sword out of its sheath? It can range from 6 to 10 on average, she explains. I mean, Ive never actually been reincarnated so I cant say for sure. Theres no one answer to this question since its more of a saying or superstition than anything else. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have nine lives. So, do cats have nine lives? The number nine has significance to many early cultures. Do cats have nine lives, or do they really have seven? And it was a cat who became one of the first media-driven animal celebrities. Ancient Egyptian Gods Horus and Atum. As soon as she wakes up, she runs down the stairs to kiss him in the morning. For these reasons, I was never allowed near a dog and the idea of owning one never seriously crossed my mind. Cats communicate subtly and quietly. They Have Extremely Good Agility. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Mercutio: Good King of Cats, I want to take one of your nine lives. Do cats really have 9 lives? Additionally, since time immemorial, cats have been feared for being magical. It's an age-old question that has been argued for centuries. Dogs have yet to make this reputation. For example, they believed it took nine days to fall from heaven to Earth. So, every time a cat dies, it is reborn with a new life. It is thought the departure from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a farming one was beneficial to these ancient cats. Sagittarius (November 22 December 21): The Sagittarius cat is the true adventurer. [1], The American poet and travel author Bayard Taylor (18251878) was astonished when he discovered a Syrian hospital where cats roamed freely. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDA. However, there is no specific mention of cats having multiple lives in Islamic scripture. 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. There is a way of saying that cats have nine lives in many cultures.