Do cats really have 9 lives? He then smiled and gently stroked his beloved cat three times, giving all cats the ability to land squarely on their feet. Studies show the average cat may only live to be 14 years old, which is the equivalent of age 70 in human years. The myth that cats have multiple lives exists in many cultures across the world, but it is not always nine lives. We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. Here is the truth about cats. In Islam, cats are revered and respected. One theory is that the belief originated from Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. Stock photo of a cat. Is that because they can survive anything, or does this attribution not match reality? Required fields are marked *. Ancient Egyptian Gods Horus and Atum. We all have challenges and struggles, and its important to remember everyone is fighting their own battle. For the scratching post itself, youll need a sturdy piece of wood (at least 2 feet tall), a piece of sisal rope, and some carpet or fabric. Some people believe the nine lives myth is related to cats' ability to always land on their feet. 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. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. 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. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why they're allowed to enter homes and even mosques.. One is that it can give people a deeper appreciation and love for cats. ats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. Based on this culture, cats are supposed to be treated well and fed appropriately. When a saying gets to be over 400 years old, it's usually very difficult to track its exact origin. In the Bible, nine was used 49 times and stands for completion. 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. Lets look at the science behind cats legendary nine lives and find out if theres any truth to it! Theyre also very intelligent and theyre always up for a challenge. 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. Cats have an infinite number of lives, but they dont always live to a ripe old age. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. Cats are creatures of habit and their favorite sleeping position often reflects their unique personality. Cats started living alongside humans in the Near East during the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago. 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. 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? What happens when blood sugar gets too high. However, unlike humans, cats have more vertebrae. Cats are just fascinating creatures, and theres always room for interpretation when it comes to their lives. Additionally, since time immemorial, cats have been feared for being magical. complete answer on animals.howstuffworks.com, View But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. Unlike dogs, cats can live an independent life in parallel with their owner. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDA. Whether or not they have nine lives is still a mystery. Are those adorable pets actually evil? How many of you have given your cats superpowers? At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. 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. If youre a cat lover, I think youll enjoy this article. The belief that cats have nine lives is simply a myth or superstition passed down through generations. Cats neither forgive nor forget. Would they think that a cats life is just like a humans life, only with more lives? [7], Many Muslims believe that Muezza (or Muizza; Arabic: ) was Muhammad's favorite cat. Cats have long been associated with having multiple lives, but is there any truth to the idea that female cats have nine lives in particular? Do Cats Have 9 Lives In Islam? Theyre also very affectionate and they love to be petted and cuddled. 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. As soon as she wakes up, she runs down the stairs to kiss him in the morning. There are a few benefits to believing that cats have 9 souls. At first she was fearful and dubious around him, but gradually she got to know him. I mean, Ive never actually been reincarnated so I cant say for sure. Cats check if you are breathing, especially at night, because they have not seen you moving for several hours. These 7 Signs Will Help You Find Out, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. Can cats smell cancer? Is it true, or is it just fiction? However, they are not necessarily associated with the number nine. In Japan, cats are also seen as lucky creatures. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? Some people believe that cats have seven lives because theyre very resilient animals who often survive falls and other accidents that would be fatal for other creatures. There is a way of saying that cats have nine lives in many cultures. However, it is undeniable that cats are fascinating creatures, and their popularity as pets means that they are likely to continue to be a source of fascination and mystery for years to come. My first attempt to persuade her failed, in the end my mothers fears won out. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Save my name & email in this browser for the next One 2,500-year-old specimen scanned by French scientists in 2019 was found to be several different cats, with a textile ball in the place of the head. As he began to dress he discovered that Muezza was sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. Cats communicate subtly and quietly. Though fleas can strike all year round, you are most likely to. (I can relate! Some cats can tell you when something terrible is, Read More CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? Some believe that cats have nine lives, while others believe they have seven. They just have 8 totems of undying. 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. Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Almost two-thirds of new owners are aged between 16 and 34 and 56% of new pet owners have children at home. Cats Belong To A Very Special Family They Have The Power Of Lions, Tigers, And Cheetahs In Their Soul. Do they leap on your closet doors, cabinets or fridge? William Shakespeare also references nine lives in his 1597 tragedy Romeo and Juliet, appearing in Act 3, Scene 1 during a fight between Tybalt and Mercutio. They love to explore and theyre always up for a new challenge. Whod have thought that Islam would help to cure my mothers ailurophobia and turn her into a fully fledged cat-lover? In some European folklore, there are stories of witches or supernatural beings who could transform into cats and have multiple lives. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". Historians have traced the importance of cats and the significance of the number nine to the ancient Egyptians, who considered cats sacred. The belief thatcats have 9 livesand originate from Egypt is a popular myth. Read More WHY DOES MY CAT CHECK IF I AM BREATHING? Sagittarius (November 22 December 21): The Sagittarius cat is the true adventurer. Cats can do this because they have an unusually flexiblebackboneand no functionalclavicle(collarbone). Its even permissible to eat from the same bowl that a cat has eaten from. 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. The origin of this saying is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories. If a cat "comes back to life" multiple times, the number nine makes sense when looked at from a mystical point of view. In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. Is It Scientifically Proven That Cats Have Nine Lives? So, what is the truth? 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. Some say that cats have nine lives because they are able to land on their feet when they fall from a great height. 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. Cookie Consent Tool. So, there you have it. Based on popular beliefs, cats are believed to have nine lives, or even 7. 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.". 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. Partly it was based on watching a scary video about a cat in her childhood. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. 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). And if youre not a cat lover, well, maybe it will help you understand us a little better! The origins of the nine lives belief are unknown, but there are a number of theories about how it started. 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! This position is relatively rare and is often seen in cats who are very relaxed and comfortable in their environment. Start by stapling the fabric to the top of the post, wrapping it around the post and stapling it to the bottom. 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. For example, in Islam, the significance of the number nine is much like in the Indian thought of Sanatana . In China, nine is associated with the dragon, which is a symbol of power. So the age process, like the other life processes of a dog, is sped up. [1], Cats have been venerated in the Near East since antiquity. 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. Another explanation is thatcats have a high pain threshold, meaning they can endure injuries that would be deadly to other animals. Islam also has that tradition, albeit in a much modified form. Despite being a myth, why do they say cats have nine lives? This is because they have a unique ability to regenerate their cells. Join. 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. Unlike dogs, cats have been revered for centuries in Muslim culture. However, there is no denying that cats are amazing creatures that have the ability to heal quickly and survive falls from great heights. Keep on reading to find out. 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? Deter them from this behavior by cat-proofing your house, such as not placing tempting items like toys, treats and catnip in high places. This means that they can heal from injuries and diseases more quickly than other animals. Why do cats have litter boxes and dogs don't? For these reasons, I was never allowed near a dog and the idea of owning one never seriously crossed my mind. Now shes the proud owner of Milo and has researched more about the prevalence of cats in Islam, she says: Cats are a blessing from God, who provide their owners with nothing but happiness and positivity.. What You Need to Know! Theyre also fiercely independent and they like to do things their own way. I don't care who dies in a movie as long as the dog lives? In Hinduism, nine is considered a complete and divine number. 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. 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. Cats have acute senses and know they should not jump from a balcony if it is too high. Have cats been blessed with nine lives? Plus, they get up to so much mischief we want the nine lives saying to be true!". 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). They are curious and like to explore their surroundings. Thus, the need for an umbilical cord is nonexistent. Mothers being mothers, she also spoke to lots of different Muslims about their cats, and eventually, her fears melted away. And more importantly, is there any truth to it? Theyre always mysterious and theyre always seeming to know more than theyre letting on. This idea is thought to come from the fact that cats are often able to escape danger, whether its from predators or other hazards. For example, they believed it took nine days to fall from heaven to Earth. Cats are pretty tidy creatures. So, the next time you see a cat, remember that it may be one of the nine lives! Another theory is that the six lives myth is based on the fact that cats are relatively resilient animals. 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. Different cultures have different views on cats and their supposed nine lives. Theyre always looking for ways to keep the peace and theyre always trying to please everyone. Are you wondering if your furball is an under-covered sensitive? DorkyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. So it is obviously not a possibility. . But if the cats are ordinary cats and are not causing a nuisance, perhaps it is better to leave them alone to reproduce. 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? While Muslims are completely free to live with cats, they must treat the cats well. 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. This is likely due in part to the health problems that can arise from inbreeding. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. span I comment. What we do know is that cats are incredibly resilient creatures. 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. If you love your cat but not the destruction they wreak on your furniture, you may be considering a DIY cat scratching post. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. While certain areas around the world believe that cats have multiple lives, the number nine is not universal. Cats have 9 lives, and dogs dont because they have a long history that goes back to Ancient Egypt, including mythology. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Do they real have nine lives? Regardless of its origins, the belief that cats have nine lives is widespread. Although not meant in super seriousness, the proverb tells that: "A cat has nine lives. They say that nine is "the trinity of trinities" and believe that cats most definitely have multiple lives. Your pet can and will try to get them, so best to keep them out of sight or at a low profile. It reflects a cats natural instinct to curl up in a tight space to stay warm and protected. So when I saw this article on the Huffington Post, I just had to share it. Many superstitions and fantastic stories from many centuries ago surround cats. Have you ever wondered if cats really have nine lives? No matter how spectacular their leaping skills are, keep in mind that cats are not indestructible and don't always land on their feet. This theory is supported by the fact that cats have been known to survive falls from great heights and car accidents. Why do cats clean themselves but dogs don t. She cooks arguably the best chicken parmesan in the world, and also has impeccable taste in Bollywood music. The number nine has significance to many early cultures. The ancient Egyptians believed these animals were sacred and divine beings with supernatural powers. In 1732, Thomas Fuller wrote a book called Gnomologia: Adagies And . The sun god Atum-Ra was said to take the form of a cat so he could visit the underworld. In many countries such as Germany, Spain and Turkey, the Common Belief is that cats actually have 7 lives. Because of this, the myth predates the late 1500s and possibly has ancient origins. 9: vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, pain, mechanoreception (balance etc. [1], One of Muhammad's companions was known as Abu Hurairah (literally: "Father of the Kitten") for his attachment to cats. Do Muslims smoke? It is highly amusing when I remind my mother of how she used to feel about cats. Cats who sleep in this position often have a regal air about them and enjoy being the center of attention. So, while we cant say for sure that cats have nine lives, we can say that they are definitely capable of cheating death! 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). If you have observed a cat falling, you may have seen that they open its paws apart, forming a sort of parachute. Cats have almost a supernatural ability to move from a low, crouching position to a high, long leap in a matter of seconds. Some cats have personalities that stand out from, Read More CAN A CAT BE EVIL? 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. Why do they say cats have nine lives? "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. "Cats are curious by nature and many love exploring new situations and scenarios, some of which clearly are not good for them," Kelsey said. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? Theyre also very curious and theyre always exploring their surroundings. If youre a cat person, you know that each feline friend has their own unique personality. There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that cats have nine lives. Another story is, upon returning from the mosque, Muhammad received a bow from Muezza. Aquarius (January 20 February 18): The Aquarius cat is the true independent. Hurry up, or I'll smack you on the ears with my sword before you have yours drawn. 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. A cat might stray far away from home, but it will almost always know how to find his way back. Theyre always striving for perfection and theyre always looking for ways to improve. But why was it associated with cats and not any other animal or pet? InAncient Egypt,cats were considered to be sacred animals. [1], In Islamic tradition, cats are admired for their cleanliness. Theyre always doing their own thing and theyre never afraid to be different. Bastet had the ability to go back and forth between her human and cat forms, which is speculated to be the origin of the idea that cats have multiple lives. As a result, you may take fewer things for granted and be more present in your life. complete answer on besidestillwater.net. Theyre also very affectionate and they love to cuddle. Even Though Small, Cats Are Likely To Take Out A Much Bigger And Scarier Animal. Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? This is a balance reflex that allows them to orientate themselves as they fall in order to land on their feet. The nine lives of cats have been a subject of fascination for centuries. Invest in a cat tree or condo as an outlet for their leaping and climbing skills. They are confident and secure in their surroundings. If they do, theres a punishment whoever owns the dog loses good deeds each day, although there are exceptions to this rule. Do cats have nine lives or seven based on popular belief? CatsCaress.Com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It's an age-old question that has been argued for centuries. It felt like a sacrifice for her, but she knew how much I wanted one. There is even a famous saying in China:A cat has nine lives but only uses seven.. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. Its no wonder that cats have earned the reputation of having nine lives! No one knows for sure. One belief about cats is that they have nine lives. That's because they were born via eggs or some other mode to incubate the baby other than a placenta. Trim off any excess fabric, and voila! This means cats can survive situations that other animals might not be able to, making them seem like they have more lives than most. BOTTOM LINEContinue, How to know if your cat sees a ghost? 7+ REVEALING SIGNS, CAN A CAT BE EVIL? If youre ever wondering how people come up with ideas like this, just remember that theres no one correct answer. They say that nine is the trinity of trinities and believe that cats most definitely have multiple lives. But where did this idea come from? The ancient Egyptians, for example, worshipped cats and believed they had magical powers. No, cats do not actually have nine lives. Their impressive jumping skills are due to the muscle mass and the length of their hind legs. Lets dig into it and see if we can figure it out. Theyre also very passionate and they can be quite stubborn. 7+ REVEALING SIGNSContinue, Can a cat be evil? [1] Furthermore, there is a belief among some Muslims that cats seek out people who are praying.[6]. "They haven't lost their instincts to huntwhich means they can survive without human help.
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