And as they expanded across the world, so too did the myth of multiple lives. 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. There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that cats have nine lives. The number nine has significance to many early cultures. 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. 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. Read also: CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? First, youll need to gather your supplies. Because of this, the myth predates the late 1500s and possibly has ancient origins. "Cats have nine lives" is a saying that has been around for hundreds of years at least. Reptiles, marsupials, and fish, in contrast, do not have belly buttons. There is also an ancient proverb that claims, A cat has nine lives. Ageing in cats begins rapidly, but slows down as they get older. The belief that cats have multiple lives dates back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than you'd imagine. 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. This is thought to relate to seven being considered a magical number related to good luck. I am not alone; a total of 3.2m UK households have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic. Dogs can be hit and abused by cruel owners and will come back for more. "They haven't lost their instincts to huntwhich means they can survive without human help. The origins of the nine lives belief are unknown, but there are a number of theories about how it started. Next, its time to put your post together. About our Ads. These are just a few of the reasons why scientists are exploring. In other cases, the number nine has beenassociated with luck or good fortune. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. In some European folklore, there are stories of witches or supernatural beings who could transform into cats and have multiple lives. Cats Are Modern Day Ninjas. Both cats and dogs can pick up each other's behaviors, and their humans, too. Others believe that the seven lives refers to the fact that cats have seven different stages in their lives, from kittenhood to old age. Theyre always mysterious and theyre always seeming to know more than theyre letting on. 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. They are confident and like to be in control. ", 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. What You Need to Know. Cats have almost a supernatural ability to move from a low, crouching position to a high, long leap in a matter of seconds. Cancer (June 21 July 22): The Cancer cat is a true homebody. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Atum-Ra was . In addition, cats earned the reputation of having nine lives because of their fast reflexes and ability to survive almost anything. After all, we are considered a zoophilist nation. With cats being some of the luckiest animals in terms of evading danger, assigning the species seven lives seems appropriate. I mean, Ive never actually been reincarnated so I cant say for sure. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? They love to be around people and theyre always the life of the party. Hi, Im Amanda. For cats, the theory surrounding the nine lives origin rose in popularity thanks to an old English Proverb. Your pet can and will try to get them, so best to keep them out of sight or at a low profile. 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. They love to explore and theyre always up for a new challenge. Cats Always Land On Their Feet. Cat Symbolism & Meaning & the Cat Spirit Animal - UniGuide Theres no way to know for sure, but its certainly an interesting theory. FRIGHTENING?Continue, Your email address will not be published. But its best to be on the safe side with thebest cat insurance plans. In this way, they can slow down the fall. Even our beloved Prophet (SAW) had a cat on his own, named Muezza, proving cats to be a special animal in Islam. Unlike dogs, cats have been revered for centuries in Muslim culture. Ancient Origins of a Cat's Nine Lives The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. If you love your cat but not the destruction they wreak on your furniture, you may be considering a DIY cat scratching post. Will you pull your sword out of its sheath? Cats can heal quickly from injuries and areless likely to develop infections. Throughout lockdown, pet ownership has surged. Your cat's back legs are so strong that they easily can leap six times their height! Now its time to add the carpet or fabric. Partly it was based on watching a scary video about a cat in her childhood. 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. They love to eat and theyre always on the lookout for the best food around. What happens when blood sugar gets too high. Cats can pull off the most incredible stunts ever to make you wonder if they have extra senses or special powers. They were believed to have been created by thegoddess Bastetand were thought to be able to ward off evil spirits. Some cats have personalities that stand out from, Read More CAN A CAT BE EVIL? However, while they are indeed quite resilient, it is not true that they can survive any fall or injury. Whod have thought that Islam would help to cure my mothers ailurophobia and turn her into a fully fledged cat-lover? In China, nine is associated with the dragon, which is a symbol of power. Cats.com went out and did some research to find what makes cats super survivors. Some people believe that dogs have one life, while others believe that they have multiple lives. [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]. Yes indeed! Stories about cats surviving huge falls are commonplace. According to authentic narrations, one may make ablution for prayer with the same water that a cat has drunk from. [4] According to legend, Abu Saeed's cat saved Muhammad from a snake. So, while we cant say for sure that cats have nine lives, we can say that they are definitely capable of cheating death! For example, you may notice when yourcat is purringor rubbing against your leg, and you may appreciate their presence more. Another belief about cats is that they have spiritual powers and can bring good luck. I don't care who dies in a movie as long as the dog lives? 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? 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. Spooky, isnt it? She comes back from shopping weighed down with presents and toys for him. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. 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. 6. r/Showerthoughts. In Spain and other Spanish speaking nations, cats are said to have seven lives. Why don't cats and dogs have belly buttons? 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. Cats can do this because they have an unusually flexiblebackboneand no functionalclavicle(collarbone). Do Cats Have Nine Lives? The Myth Explained - Newsweek 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. It is most likely a misunderstanding. Libra (September 23 October 22): The Libra cat is the true diplomat. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDA. For these reasons, I was never allowed near a dog and the idea of owning one never seriously crossed my mind. And if youre not a cat lover, well, maybe it will help you understand us a little better! In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. This can be both cute and worrying at the, Begonias are flowering plants that many homeowners grow in their flowerbeds and in large pots due to their colorful blooms., Fleas are a pain for many pet owners. We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. Start by drilling a hole through the center of your piece of wood. Another theory is that the belief originated with the medieval belief in witches and their ability to transform themselves into cats. complete answer on halalguidance.com, View Cats who sleep in this position are often very active and playful. As humans farmed and stored food, they attracted common prey for cats, such as mice and rats. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? complete answer on besidestillwater.net. They say Curiosity kill cats, but it turns out its actually a lot harder than That. They are able to come away from these perilous drops because of what is known as their "righting reflex." Alderton-Sell explained that as cats mature, from age 7-10, they start to slow down a bit and put on weight. The ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet was depicted as half cat and half woman. The Truth About Cats and Their Nine Lives | Diamond Pet Foods Save my name & email in this browser for the next Do cats have 9 lives? 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. As a result, cats with nine lives are often seen as bringing good fortune. They have a strong survival instinct and are able to recover from injuries that would be fatal to other animals. Sagittarius (November 22 December 21): The Sagittarius cat is the true adventurer. Cats neither forgive nor forget. So when I saw this article on the Huffington Post, I just had to share it. Virgo (August 23 September 22): The Virgo cat is the true perfectionist. Cats do not have nine lives in all cultures. 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. The number nine holds significance in numerology, especially due to its composition of three groups of three, like the structure of the English proverb. The institution, in which domestic felines were sheltered and nourished, was funded by a waqf, along with caretakers' wages, veterinary care and cat food. So I tried my best to convince her. What personality disorder does the Grinch have? To the Ancient Greeks, it represented a magic number and is associated with the gods. How exactly would people think cats had 6, 7, or 9 lives? In other cases, cats are viewed as powerful and wise creatures that can help protect their owners from harm. As with most oral storytelling, there is no evidence of when or where this famous English quotation was first documented. Since then she has said there is something disturbing about their piercing stare and how quickly they can dart away, vanishing into thin air. Some cats can tell you when something terrible is, Read More CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? Youll also need a drill, saw, and other basic tools. With dogs you get what you see they have no hidden traits or personality quirks. As he began to dress he discovered that Muezza was sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. Learn how getting rid of cat odors in carpets and fabrics is key to getting your house to smell fresh and clean. Theyre also very independent and they like to do things their own way. The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. And when wild cats began to live more closely with human beings around . While cats are skilled at survival, they are not invincible and can be injured or killed like any other animal. Do they real have nine lives? Unlike dogs, cats can live an independent life in parallel with their owner. In Hinduism, nine is considered a complete and divine number. Why does my cat check if I am breathing? So, what is the truth? Required fields are marked *. Islam also has that tradition, albeit in a much modified form. This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. 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 Japan, cats are also seen as lucky creatures. Plus, they get up to so much mischief we want the nine lives saying to be true!". And just like our own personalities, these traits can be linked to astrology. How Many Lives Do Cats Have? Do They Really Have 9 Lives? - FVEAP ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS TO BELIEVING THAT CATS HAVE 9 SOULS? Here are the benefits of cats in Islam: 1. Gemini (May 21 June 20): The Gemini cat is the true social butterfly. The story goes that Muhammad awoke one day to the call of prayer. Cats started living alongside humans in the Near East during the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago. However, they are not necessarily associated with the number nine. Once youve wrapped the post to your desired height, cut off any excess rope and staple the end down. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. How many people are killed by cats each year. 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. Haddon said: "Cats are small animals that can be preyed upon by bigger ones such as wolves, dogs, coyotes, large constrictor snakes, leopards etc. We may also be more cautious in treating them for fear of injuring them and taking away one of their nine lives. That being said, cats do experience a certain degree of protection from danger due to their agility and reflexes, so they may have a bit of an edge when it comes to avoiding harm. Most dogs are symmetrical, meaning they have an even number of nipples on both sides. So, the next time you see a cat, remember that it may be one of the nine lives! 15 Lovely Benefits of Cats in Islam for Every Muslim 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. However, do cats have abilities that make them survive many times after coming close to death? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS BEHIND THE 9 LIVES OF CATS? One of the superstitions is about cats crying outside the house at night. [8][9] Muhammad awoke one day to the sounds of the adhan. The details are murky surrounding the origin of the nine lives myth. Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? Some believe that cats have nine lives, while others believe they have seven. 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? Cats also have an extra flexible spine that allows them to move their bodies fast and in the most unique positions. "Mercutio: "Good king of cats, nothing but one of your ninelives" Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet[Photography by @eMCT] pic.twitter.com/RqSSyd3mf1, Kelsey says the saying has endured because of our connection to felines: "We love cats and want them to be mystical and all powering. Therefore, a cats death was considered unfortunate, and elaborate funerals were often held in their honor. Dogs have yet to make this reputation. Dedicated cat lovers are so proud of the relationship they have with their cats, they embrace the term "crazy cat owners" with open arms. 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. However, unlike humans, cats have more vertebrae. Learn how to create four different DIY cat beds that will provide your furry friend with a cozy space of her own & won't break your bank! Do cats really have 9 lives? Why do cats clean themselves but dogs don t. 4. Read More WHY DOES MY CAT CHECK IF I AM BREATHING? The latter is due to them not having a tight collarbone. Within weeks of Milo moving in with us, my mothers attitude changed and now after three months, she has fully adopted him as her fifth child. In my culture, theyre viewed as dirty and if I had even stroked one, I would have to shower. 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. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Its even permissible to eat from the same bowl that a cat has eaten from. Find info on vets or breeds or laugh at funny cats. The myth of cats having nine lives may have come from Ancient Egypt. 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). Cats who sleep in this position are often very social and enjoy being around people. The origin of this saying is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories. Admired for their cleanliness, cats are considered "the quintessential pet" by Muslims. For example, in some Native American cultures, the number nine is considered a lucky number. Historians have traced the importance of cats and the significance of the number nine to the ancient Egyptians, who considered cats sacred. Egyptians believed that cats were reincarnated six times, which may have led to the belief that they have six lives. However, the truth is that we dont really know how many lives cats have. Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock. The answer may surprise you. In many cultures, cats are seen as lucky animals, and it is believed that owning a cat can bring good luck. Morris the Cat strolled onto TV and into Americans' lives in 1969 as the finicky spokes-cat for 9Lives cat food [source: Elliott ]. 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. Cats can sense bad energy and alert you when there is something wrong. [7], Many Muslims believe that Muezza (or Muizza; Arabic: ) was Muhammad's favorite cat. He suddenly sneaks on you while you sleep and starts checking whether you are breathing. 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. Scientists even believe they have more chances of surviving falling from higher places than lower places because they have more time to properly fix their bodies during the fall to prepare for impact. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? They were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was often depicted with the head of a cat. Why do cats use litter boxes and dogs don't? If youre a cat person, you know that each feline friend has their own unique personality. Cats have 9 lives, and dogs dont because they have a long history that goes back to Ancient Egypt, including mythology. 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. 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. Do Cats Have 9 Lives? Get The Comprehensive Facts Here - FelineLiving.net 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.". Then I thought I would try again, so, without telling my mother, I put a deposit down on a kitten, but the seller was a scammer and it all fell through. This is likely due in part to the health problems that can arise from inbreeding. While Muslims are completely free to live with cats, they must treat the cats well. Another explanation is thatcats have a high pain threshold, meaning they can endure injuries that would be deadly to other animals. In the meantime, we can only speculate why these furry creatures seem so resilient. I love their intelligence, inquisitiveness and how unassailable they seem. Or maybe because it comes from the Welsh, where nine steps was used to measure legal distances. Preparing to attend prayer, he began to dress himself; however, he soon discovered his cat Muezza sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. In fact, the Egyptians were so enamored with their feline friends that when a cat died, the entire household would shave off their eyebrows as a sign of mourning. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Does a cat have 9 lives? Hurry up, or I'll smack you on the ears with my sword before you have yours drawn. Are those adorable pets actually evil? Nine is also symbolic in Islamic, Greek and Roman Catholic cultures, to name a few. Therighting reflexappears at 34 weeks of age and is perfected at 67 weeks. 119. So, while science cant prove that cats have nine lives, it can certainly explain why the myth has existed for so long! Would they think that a cats life is just like a humans life, only with more lives? 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). This isn't due to magical powers: It's their biological make-up. Cats communicate subtly and quietly. 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. Well, shes not wrong. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. (Click to sign up>>Animalia.pet). Whether or not they have nine lives is still a mystery. Cats are not immortal, just like us, they have only one life. Even before wild cats became domesticated, ancient cultures believed in the cat spirit animal. What we do know is that cats are incredibly resilient creatures. Lets dig into it and see if we can figure it out. 10 Cats Who Made History | HowStuffWorks 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 idea is thought to come from the fact that cats are often able to escape danger, whether its from predators or other hazards. No one knows for sure. Why do they say cats have nine lives? ), temperature, interoreceptors (e.g. One New York cat is known to have survived a fall of 32 stories. Theyre also very loyal and theyre always there for their loved ones. 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. So, every time a cat dies, it is reborn with a new life. Pisces (February 19 March 20): The Pisces cat is the true dreamer. And why do people believe it? . 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. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? The Truth Behind This Myth Our feline friends should be treated with the same level of respect that we would grant any other creature in nature, as cats are still animals. So, do cats really have seven lives? Lastly, believing that cats have 9 lives can also help people to be more compassionate towards others. 2023 DorkyCats - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Terms Of Service | Privacy Policy | Disclaimers | Contact | About, HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CAT SEES A GHOST? Cats have an infinite number of lives, but they dont always live to a ripe old age. 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 . Based on popular beliefs, cats are believed to have nine lives, or even 7. In complete contrast, I am an ailurophile. It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. Growing up I was always aware of this hostility. Yet as a nation, we compare cats unfairly to dogs. 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. Have you ever encountered this behavior from your cat? In addition, domestic dogs tend to live shorter lives than wolves. Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? Hill's Pet Mercutio: Good King of Cats, I want to take one of your nine lives. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning.
