In fact, the number of lives a cat has varies depending on the culture. They Have Extremely Good Agility. It says: "A cat has nine lives. In Britain, a hatred for pets is unheard of, any bitterness towards animals is considered completely unacceptable. Cats can pull off the most incredible stunts ever to make you wonder if they have extra senses or special powers. Next, its time to put your post together. Cats who sleep in this position are often very social and enjoy being around people. Even the most affectionate and characterful cat may make a poor first impression. Or maybe because it comes from the Welsh, where nine steps was used to measure legal distances. In Hinduism, nine is considered a complete and divine number. What do you call someone with no siblings? 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. Do cats really have 9 lives? Learn how getting rid of cat odors in carpets and fabrics is key to getting your house to smell fresh and clean. Despite their work as mousers, cats retained their air of mystique. But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. While certain areas around the world believe that cats have multiple lives, the number nine is not universal. For example, in Islam, the significance of the number nine is much like in the Indian thought of Sanatana . InAncient Egypt,cats were considered to be sacred animals. The article, written by one of the shelters volunteers, is called How One Cat Lovers Feline Craziness Shines Through. Its a great read for anyone who loves cats, and its also a good reminder that even the most dedicated cat people have their moments of feline-induced craziness. Instead, the Japanese believe thatcats have the power to change their fate. Historians have traced the importance of cats and the significance of the number nine to the ancient Egyptians, who considered cats sacred. I sometimes think she loves him more than me. If someone outside of the family killed a cat, that person could be put to death. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. However, there is no specific mention of cats having multiple lives in Islamic scripture. But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. . Additionally, early Anglo-Saxon settlers of England (originally called Angle-lond), used the number nine in both legal and literary contexts, says Encyclopedia Britannica. Heres a look: Aries (March 21 April 19): The Aries cat is a true pioneer. What does the Bible say about the black horse? Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. 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. Another theory is that the seven lives myth is actually a reference to a cats ability to survive falls from great heights. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. 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. 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. The site is also monetized with affiliate programs from LinkShare, CJ, ShareASale, and other networks, at no additional cost to you. I'll take one, and, depending on how you treat me after that, I might beat the other eight out of you too. Another theory is that cats are able to regenerate their cells at a faster rate than other animals. Without an umbilical cord, a belly button cannot be created. The answer may surprise you. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. Another benefit is that it can help people be more mindful of their lives. 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? 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. 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. is a question that has long perplexed cat lovers and scientists alike. If they do, theres a punishment whoever owns the dog loses good deeds each day, although there are exceptions to this rule. This is a popular myth or superstition that has been around for centuries. In many countries such as Germany, Spain and Turkey, the Common Belief is that cats actually have 7 lives. (Click to sign up>>Animalia.pet). 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! 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. 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. 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 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. The sun god Atum-Ra was said to take the form of a cat so he could visit the underworld. Cats have almost a supernatural ability to move from a low, crouching position to a high, long leap in a matter of seconds. This might change how we interact with them because we may believe they have special abilities and can help us in our lives. However, William Shakespeare knew about the saying because he referenced it in his play Romeo and Juliet, written in the late 16th century: "Good king of cats, nothing but one your nine lives." Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why they're allowed to enter homes and even mosques.. Cats cant die and come back right after. Youll also need a drill, saw, and other basic tools. Despite being a myth, why do they say cats have nine lives? Theyre also very passionate and they can be quite stubborn. Invest in a cat tree or condo as an outlet for their leaping and climbing skills. These stories may have also contributed to the belief that cats had nine lives. 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. 6. r/Showerthoughts. Start by drilling a hole through the center of your piece of wood. Have you experienced the funny and maybe creepy experience of your cat suddenly jumping up, running away, or even becoming puffy with all his fur standing straight? 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. Theyre also very loyal and theyre always there for their loved ones. Like many teenagers in lockdown, sweating through hours of home learning while struggling to remain positive, I really wanted a cat. No matter how spectacular their leaping skills are, keep in mind that cats are not indestructible and don't always land on their feet. Even our beloved Prophet (SAW) had a cat on his own, named Muezza, proving cats to be a special animal in Islam. Your cat's daredevil antics can be fun to watch, but engaging them in safe play goes a long way to making your feline friend's life a happy and healthy one. Both cats and dogs can pick up each other's behaviors, and their humans, too. Sagittarius (November 22 December 21): The Sagittarius cat is the true adventurer. For example, dogs have belly buttons as well. Nine is also symbolic in Islamic, Greek and Roman Catholic cultures, to name a few. What does it mean cats have nine lives? In some cultures, cats have seven lives instead of 9. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. Stock photo of a cat. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. First, youll need to gather your supplies. Cats.com went out and did some research to find what makes cats super survivors. There is no scientific evidence to support either claim, so it is ultimately up to each individual to decide what they believe. Stories about cats surviving huge falls are commonplace. Cats Belong To A Very Special Family They Have The Power Of Lions, Tigers, And Cheetahs In Their Soul. Some cultures see them as lucky animals that bring good fortune. However, while they are indeed quite resilient, it is not true that they can survive any fall or injury. There is also an ancient proverb that claims, A cat has nine lives. So, do I believe that humans have nine lives? No surprise that so many young people are, like me, behind this trend. 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. Seconds later, a member of the crowd lifts up the cat and the whole stadium erupts in cheers. Because of this, the myth predates the late 1500s and possibly has ancient origins. 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). This is a question that I get asked a lot, and to be honest, Im not entirely sure what the answer is. "They haven't lost their instincts to huntwhich means they can survive without human help. Theyre also very affectionate and they love to cuddle. The nine lives of cats have been a subject of fascination for centuries. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper. Based on this culture, cats are supposed to be treated well and fed appropriately. One theory is that the belief originated with the ancient Egyptians, who revered cats as gods. 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. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. In many cultures, cats are seen as lucky animals, and it is believed that owning a cat can bring good luck. complete answer on besidestillwater.net. All placental mammals like cats, which are mammals with placenta, technically have belly buttons. In other cases, cats are viewed as powerful and wise creatures that can help protect their owners from harm. There is a way of saying that cats have nine lives in many cultures. According to scientists, cats actually have an infinite number of lives. Sometimes, it has been seenas a symbol of completion or perfection. It crops up in a stitch in time saves nine.". Theyre also very intelligent and theyre always up for a challenge. There are a few theories as to why people believe that cats have nine lives. Or would they think that a cats life is more like a game, where they can use up one of their lives and then start over again? ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Can you go to the beach with tattoos in Japan? This means that they can heal from injuries and diseases more quickly than other animals. And as they expanded across the world, so too did the myth of multiple lives. Yes indeed! Preparing to attend prayer, he began to dress himself; however, he soon discovered his cat Muezza sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. 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. This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. Your pet can and will try to get them, so best to keep them out of sight or at a low profile. blood pressure, bladder stretch). ats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. 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. Join. While Muslims are completely free to live with cats, they must treat the cats well. Partly it was based on watching a scary video about a cat in her childhood. This is even true at night due to their ability to see adequately in the dark. Meanwhile, View I have four cats of my own, and I frequently foster kittens for a local animal shelter. As a result, you may take fewer things for granted and be more present in your life. In some cultures, cats have 9 lives, while in others, 7. If a cat makes it to 21, that would be like 100 years old in human terms. Some people believe that cats have multiple lives, while others believe that they only have one. Over time, this belief became a popular saying or proverb, and it has been passed down through generations in many cultures worldwide. With cats being some of the luckiest animals in terms of evading danger, assigning the species seven lives seems appropriate. However, do cats have abilities that make them survive many times after coming close to death? 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. Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have seven lives, there are a few theories that could explain where the idea originated from. Whatever the origin of the belief, there is no scientific evidence to support it. Find info on vets or breeds or laugh at funny cats. Im not sure. Though fleas can strike all year round, you are most likely to. Here are the benefits of cats in Islam: 1. Theyre also fiercely independent and they like to do things their own way. 7+ REVEALING SIGNS, CAN A CAT BE EVIL? However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. They are able to come away from these perilous drops because of what is known as their "righting reflex." It is highly amusing when I remind my mother of how she used to feel about cats. Why does my cat check if I am breathing? It is thought the departure from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a farming one was beneficial to these ancient cats. Thats right, just like you and me, your cat has a zodiac sign that says a lot about their personality. Capricorn (December 22 January 19): The Capricorn cat is the true traditionalist. Dispelling the Myth of Nine Lives For one, cats are not described as having nine lives in all cultures. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDAContinue, Are you curious about the cat crying outside my house superstition? I do not hide that the thought has crossed my mind here and there; somethings that cats do at times make you really think they are out to get you. The content presented on this site is meant for informational purposes only. This is a question that has been debated by cat lovers and scientists for years. So, despite the odds, I got a kitten. 2. 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. So, do cats actually have nine lives? Not just lovely, but cats is also beneficial. 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. Theyre always looking for ways to keep the peace and theyre always trying to please everyone. No, cats do not actually have nine lives. Therefore, it makes sense that they would have seven lives. 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. With dogs you get what you see they have no hidden traits or personality quirks. But its best to be on the safe side with thebest cat insurance plans. Youve made your very own DIY cat scratching post. Muslim scholars are divided on the issue of neutering animals. 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. 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? Shed always found them evil and scary, but when I wanted a cat in lockdown I appealed to my mums faith. The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. These are just a few of the reasons why scientists are exploring. And if youre not a cat lover, well, maybe it will help you understand us a little better! Haddon said: "Cats are small animals that can be preyed upon by bigger ones such as wolves, dogs, coyotes, large constrictor snakes, leopards etc. 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. Cats can twist their bodies mid-air and land on their feet, thanks to their flexible spine and inner ear. So much so, that one of Prophet Muhammads companions was known as Abu Hurairah (Father of the Kittens) for his attachment to cats. "All this adds up to an amazing survivorship. Is It Scientifically Proven That Cats Have Nine Lives? The odd time that a relative did allow a cat anywhere near her, she would become hysterical. Well the phrase cats have nine lives is an ancient one and can be traced to those times when magic was popular. Dogs have yet to make this reputation. Cats are also known for their dexterity and agility. Many people think of cats as aloof and uncaring, but believing they have 9 lives can change how you see them. Some regions around Spain believe that cats only have seven lives, while in other Arabic and Turkish legends, cats have six lives. Learn more. They love to be around people and theyre always the life of the party. This is likely due in part to the health problems that can arise from inbreeding. 4. So, there you have it. For three he play s, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". So, every time a cat dies, it is reborn with a new life. According to a myth in many cultures, cats have multiple lives. Theyre always striving for perfection and theyre always looking for ways to improve. 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. CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? Its even permissible to eat from the same bowl that a cat has eaten from. 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. ", 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. [2] According to many hadith, the Islamic prophet Muhammad prohibited the persecution and killing of cats. Alderton-Sell explained that as cats mature, from age 7-10, they start to slow down a bit and put on weight. Admired for their cleanliness, cats are considered "the quintessential pet" by Muslims. Does a cat have 9 lives? The idea of nine lives may also have come from Shakespeare or traditional sayings. So, what does your cats zodiac sign say about their personality? Why does my dog act like a cat but I don't have a cat? They say that nine is "the trinity of trinities" and believe that cats most definitely have multiple lives. Scientists call this righting reflex. Some say that cats have nine lives because they are able to land on their feet when they fall from a great height. In China, the number nine is considered to be lucky. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". span I comment. Do cats have nine lives, or do they really have seven? 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. 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. Trim off any excess fabric, and voila! What we do know is that cats are incredibly resilient creatures. Others believe that it is because they are able to see in the dark and avoid danger. So, the next time you see a cat, remember that it may be one of the nine lives! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The civilization was known to worship cats, with several deities being depicted as having cat-shaped heads. Ancient Origins of a Cat's Nine Lives The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. Cats can sense bad energy and alert you when there is something wrong. Lastly, believing that cats have 9 lives can also help people to be more compassionate towards others. As a result, cats with nine lives are often seen as bringing good fortune. 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). Theyre always doing their own thing and theyre never afraid to be different. Atum-Ra was said to have given birth to eight other gods. She spams everyone with WhatsApp photos of Milo and texts me every couple of hours about how her favourite child is doing. We all have challenges and struggles, and its important to remember everyone is fighting their own battle. They love to explore and theyre always up for a new challenge. And finally, some cultures believe cats have nine lives because they can heal quickly from injuries. Why do cats clean themselves but dogs don t. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDA. 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 have sharp claws and teeth which help them to defend themselves, and they are also very good at landing on their feet when they fall. One New York cat is known to have survived a fall of 32 stories. The sun god Atum-Ra was said to take the form of a cat so he could visit the underworld. Therighting reflexappears at 34 weeks of age and is perfected at 67 weeks. It suffered a chipped tooth and a collapsed lung and was sent home from the vet after two days. The answer to this question has been a mystery for centuries. This belief likely comes from cats surviving fallsfrom great heights and other seemingly impossible situations. According to legend, they do but where did this idea come from? Every day, my mother spends hours gawking at him, besotted. My first attempt to persuade her failed, in the end my mothers fears won out. 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. Cats 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. 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. Theyre always the first to try new things and theyre always up for a challenge. All fields are required. 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. 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. Have you heard about cats having nine lives? This period covers age 24-40 in human years.". As weve deduced, there isnt a magical number of lives that cats havethey can die just like any other animal. The story goes that Muhammad awoke one day to the call of prayer. In other cases, the number nine has beenassociated with luck or good fortune. The myth of cats having nine lives may have come from Ancient Egypt. This led to the belief that cats must have some sort of magical power or ability that allows them to cheat death. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? 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. Even before wild cats became domesticated, ancient cultures believed in the cat spirit animal. Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives?Happy WatchingLike Comment Share And Subscribe #facts #factshorts #cats Although not meant in super seriousness, the proverb tells that: "A cat has nine lives. So I tried my best to convince her. Since then she has said there is something disturbing about their piercing stare and how quickly they can dart away, vanishing into thin air. Another story is, upon returning from the mosque, Muhammad received a bow from Muezza. Truth told, I would have liked a dog, but Islam forbids Muslims to keep them. Of all the cat myths and misconceptions out there, one of the most persistent is that cats have lives to spare. BOTTOM LINEContinue, How to know if your cat sees a ghost? This is because seven is a magical number related to good luck. Read more here. InGreek Mythology, the number 9 was oftenassociated with the goddesses of love and destiny, such as Aphrodite and Athena. Here are some popular cat sleeping positions and what they say about your feline friend: This position is named after the Egyptian cat breed known for its hairless body. All this fascination with cats goes way back about 12,000 years ago. Finally, some people believe thatcats can see ghostsand other spirits. Is it true, or is it just fiction? 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. Cats started living alongside humans in the Near East during the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago. We may never know the exact origin of the myth. How many people are killed by cats each year. Cancer (June 21 July 22): The Cancer cat is a true homebody. 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. Tybalt: "What wouldst thou have with me? They are thought to be ritually clean, and are thus allowed to enter homes[1] and even mosques, including Masjid al-Haram. [7], Many Muslims believe that Muezza (or Muizza; Arabic: ) was Muhammad's favorite cat. 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.