Another theory is that the belief originated with the medieval belief in witches and their ability to transform themselves into cats. Shed always found them evil and scary, but when I wanted a cat in lockdown I appealed to my mums faith. Islam also has that tradition, albeit in a much modified form. Throughout history, cats have been said to have nine lives. If a cat "comes back to life" multiple times, the number nine makes sense when looked at from a mystical point of view. But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. It says: "A cat has nine lives. This isn't due to magical powers: It's their biological make-up. Cat meaning and symbolism includes elegance, curiosity, independence, protection, magic, and other notable qualities. They are thought to be ritually clean, and are thus allowed to enter homes[1] and even mosques, including Masjid al-Haram. However, there are a few theories about why cats may have nine lives belief is so popular. The belief that cats have nine lives stems from their reputation for being able to survive falls and other potentially deadly accidents. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Another explanation is thatcats have a high pain threshold, meaning they can endure injuries that would be deadly to other animals. What You Need to Know! As weve deduced, there isnt a magical number of lives that cats havethey can die just like any other animal. The belief that cats have multiple lives dates back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. Let's break down the origins and realities of this myth. This is a balance reflex that allows them to orientate themselves as they fall in order to land on their feet. In humans and animals, the main cavity-causing culprit is a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans. "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. But, its definitely something to think about. Due to this reflex, cats can land on all four paws, making them survive very high falls. Mercutio: Good King of Cats, I want to take one of your nine lives. Your email address will not be published. However, there is no . In some cultures, cats have 9 lives, while in others, 7. What does it mean cats have nine lives? The Egyptians believed that cats were magical creatures with the power to come back to life after death. The number nine has held various significances in different cultures throughout history. There is no definitive answer to this question as it is largely dependent on the individual cat. All this fascination with cats goes way back about 12,000 years ago. Many superstitions and fantastic stories from many centuries ago surround cats. And what is the meaning behind that famous saying? It is highly amusing when I remind my mother of how she used to feel about cats. Capricorn (December 22 January 19): The Capricorn cat is the true traditionalist. For these reasons, I was never allowed near a dog and the idea of owning one never seriously crossed my mind. If you have observed a cat falling, you may have seen that they open its paws apart, forming a sort of parachute. As soon as she wakes up, she runs down the stairs to kiss him in the morning. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. And why do people believe it? However, cats are known to be remarkably resilient creatures, and they do have some amazing survival stories. "Cats are curious by nature and many love exploring new situations and scenarios, some of which clearly are not good for them," Kelsey said. The first known reference to the nine lives myth was in a book by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. This is even true at night due to their ability to see adequately in the dark. Whether or not they have nine lives is still a mystery. I sometimes think she loves him more than me. There is a famous tale told in the Muslim community about the Prophet Muhammads relationship with cats. However, the best way to ensure your cats longevity is by providing them with a safe environment and regular checkups from your veterinarian. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. This position is relatively rare and is often seen in cats who are very relaxed and comfortable in their environment. 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. Well the phrase cats have nine lives is an ancient one and can be traced to those times when magic was popular. Ageing in cats begins rapidly, but slows down as they get older. Do Cats Have 9 Lives In Islam? Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. I love their intelligence, inquisitiveness and how unassailable they seem. Cats are lucky animals because they often avoid danger. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic . Here are the benefits of cats in Islam: 1. 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. Historians have traced the importance of cats and the significance of the number nine to the ancient Egyptians, who considered cats sacred. If a cat makes it to 21, that would be like 100 years old in human terms. Theres no way to know for sure, but its certainly an interesting theory. Ancient Egyptian Gods Horus and Atum. In many cultures, cats are seen as lucky animals, and it is believed that owning a cat can bring good luck. While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have six lives, there are some interesting theories about why this belief exists. The story goes that Muhammad awoke one day to the call of prayer. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'dorkycats_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dorkycats_com-leader-1-0');This is based on the fact that the word forcat (Neko)is pronounced the same as the word forluck (Neko). 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. Theyre also very intelligent and theyre always up for a challenge. Therefore, it makes sense that they would have seven lives. [1], One of Muhammad's companions was known as Abu Hurairah (literally: "Father of the Kitten") for his attachment to cats. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATS. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases, About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Contact Us. How many people are killed by cats each year. We are practising Muslims and I eventually realised that this was the way to her heart where cats were concerned and I wondered why I hadnt tried this approach earlier. 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. Here Are 9 Secret Reasons Why Cats Really Have 9 Lives. DorkyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. What's the best age to learn an instrument? The same is true in some Asian cultures. What we do know is that cats are incredibly resilient creatures. WHY, ADVICE AND REMEDIES. Its no wonder that cats have earned the reputation of having nine lives! 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Cats also have super-flexible bones with a light structure and a thick fur all which they use to their advantage. Next, its time to put your post together. [2] According to many hadith, the Islamic prophet Muhammad prohibited the persecution and killing of cats. Regardless of its origins, the belief that cats have nine lives is widespread. Cats have nine lives, according to popular belief. There is a way of saying that cats have nine lives in many cultures. The ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet was depicted as half cat and half woman. Scorpio (October 23 November 21): The Scorpio cat is the true mystery of the zodiac. 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. Lets look at the science behind cats legendary nine lives and find out if theres any truth to it! To the Ancient Greeks, it represented a magic number and is associated with the gods. Stories about cats surviving huge falls are commonplace. There is no scientific evidence to support either claim, so it is ultimately up to each individual to decide what they believe. When they reach old age, they need more rest and tend to live at a slower pace of life. 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. 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. Dogs can be hit and abused by cruel owners and will come back for more. complete answer on halalguidance.com, View In Islam, cats are revered and respected. 5. The latter is due to them not having a tight collarbone. Across the U.S. there are almost 60 million pet cats, with around one in four households having a feline companion. The belief thatcats have 9 livesand originate from Egypt is a popular myth. Can cats smell cancer? Start by stapling the fabric to the top of the post, wrapping it around the post and stapling it to the bottom. In addition, domestic dogs tend to live shorter lives than wolves. [8][9] There is no mention of any such cat or the associated story in the hadith or supplementary works[10] and there are similar stories attributed to someone else from 6th century Arabia which may explain the origin of the story.[11]. So, do I believe that humans have nine lives? So, every time a cat dies, it is reborn with a new life. However, unlike humans, cats have more vertebrae. Every day, my mother spends hours gawking at him, besotted. Theyre also quite reserved and they can be quite stubborn. 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. It suffered a chipped tooth and a collapsed lung and was sent home from the vet after two days. There are feral cats all over the world. In 1732, Thomas Fuller wrote a book called Gnomologia: Adagies And . Will you pull your sword out of its sheath? For that reason, cats are often depicted in paintings alongside Islamic scholars and bibliophiles. One belief about cats is that they have nine lives. They are confident and secure in their surroundings. So, which is it? 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. Theyre also very affectionate and they love to be petted and cuddled. Gemini (May 21 June 20): The Gemini cat is the true social butterfly. Have you heard about cats having nine lives? In this video, . They love to be around their family and theyre very loyal to their loved ones. One theory is that the number nine is considered to be a lucky number in many cultures. 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. FRIGHTENING? 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). 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. [7], Many Muslims believe that Muezza (or Muizza; Arabic: ) was Muhammad's favorite cat. Cats.com went out and did some research to find what makes cats super survivors. Aquarius (January 20 February 18): The Aquarius cat is the true independent. But because animals aren't consuming a lot of carbohydrates, their mouths aren't inundated with this specific bacterium. However, cats are known for their agility and dexterity, which may explain how they are often able to survive falls and other accidents that would be fatal for other animals. For three he plays, for three he strays and for the last three he stays." Cats cant die and come back right after. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Unlike dogs, cats have been revered for centuries in Muslim culture. But if the cats are ordinary cats and are not causing a nuisance, perhaps it is better to leave them alone to reproduce. Others believe that it is because they are able to see in the dark and avoid danger. The myth that cats have multiple lives exists in many cultures across the world, but it is not always nine lives. Next, wrap the sisal rope around the post, stapling it to the wood as you go. At first she was fearful and dubious around him, but gradually she got to know him. But where did this idea come from? For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". [1] Furthermore, there is a belief among some Muslims that cats seek out people who are praying. By the time cats made their way to England, however, they were revered more for their ability to ward off rodents than to reincarnate. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Their impressive jumping skills are due to the muscle mass and the length of their hind legs. They are also extremely quick at being able to react when danger presents itself.". ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS TO BELIEVING THAT CATS HAVE 9 SOULS? They were believed to have been created by thegoddess Bastetand were thought to be able to ward off evil spirits. So, while we may not know exactly how many lives cats have, it is clear that they are tougher than most animals and have a better chance of surviving even the most dangerous situations. 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. A cat might stray far away from home, but it will almost always know how to find his way back. We are about to find out. So, where did the idea that cats have nine lives come from? Spooky, isnt it? Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. As a result, cats with nine lives are often seen as bringing good fortune. One New York cat is known to have survived a fall of 32 stories. So it is obviously not a possibility. 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. Vittoria is a full-time blogger with a passion for cats and pets in general. The idea cats have nine lives may have endured because of their incredible agility. In September, a viral video of a cat hanging off the roof of a football stadium in Miami went viral. ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. However, they are still susceptible to disease and accidents, which can shorten their lives. How exactly would people think cats had 6, 7, or 9 lives? In truth, cats have exactly nine lives in some specific cultures. They just have 8 totems of undying. The number of dog nipples depends on the breed, Dr. Chayasriwong says. Because of this, the myth predates the late 1500s and possibly has ancient origins. What does the Bible say about aging with grace? Save my name & email in this browser for the next 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. In some cases, cats have even been known to survive falling from great heights. For cats, the theory surrounding the nine lives origin rose in popularity thanks to an old English Proverb. Cats who sleep in this position are often very active and playful. Now its time to add the carpet or fabric. For example, in some Native American cultures, the number nine is considered a lucky number. Studies show the average cat may only live to be 14 years old, which is the equivalent of age 70 in human years. "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. Finally, some people believe thatcats can see ghostsand other spirits. Growing up I was always aware of this hostility. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Cats also have an extra flexible spine that allows them to move their bodies fast and in the most unique positions. Do cats have nine lives, or do they really have seven? The odd time that a relative did allow a cat anywhere near her, she would become hysterical. One is that it can give people a deeper appreciation and love for cats. All placental mammals like cats, which are mammals with placenta, technically have belly buttons. Your email address will not be published. 3. Some people believe that cats have multiple lives, while others believe that they only have one. I used my religion to convince her. Whod have thought that Islam would help to cure my mothers ailurophobia and turn her into a fully fledged cat-lover? 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. notachadbro 3 yr. ago. Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock. Mimicry is when a dog mimics the behavior of another. Nine is also symbolic in Islamic, Greek and Roman Catholic cultures, to name a few. [4] According to legend, Abu Saeed's cat saved Muhammad from a snake. And just like our own personalities, these traits can be linked to astrology. One could say that many cultures have a unique take on what cats mean spiritually to them. 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. One of the superstitions is about cats crying outside the house at night. 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. 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. Cats can pull off the most incredible stunts ever to make you wonder if they have extra senses or special powers. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATSContinue. Whatever the origin of the belief, there is no scientific evidence to support it. FRIGHTENING?Continue, Your email address will not be published. Moral status of animals in the ancient world, "Did Nabi (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) have a cat named Muezza?