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.". It is highly amusing when I remind my mother how she used to feel about cats: Qais with his mother Shabnam and Milo. Find info on vets or breeds or laugh at funny cats. The number nine has held various significances in different cultures throughout history. 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? complete answer on animals.howstuffworks.com, View "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. There are a few theories as to why people believe that cats have nine lives. The nine lives of cats have been a subject of fascination for centuries. The odd time that a relative did allow a cat anywhere near her, she would become hysterical. The story goes that Muhammad awoke one day to the call of prayer. Do cats have nine lives, or do they really have seven? In my culture, theyre viewed as dirty and if I had even stroked one, I would have to shower. For three he play s, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". In Spain and other Spanish speaking nations, cats are said to have seven lives. This period covers age 24-40 in human years.". Some people believe, Read More CAT CRYING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE SUPERSTITION AND 5 MORE!Continue, Can cats sense bad energy? A version of each of us lives in the minds of other people - from a person who briefly sees us out on the street, to our closest loves ones who know us for decades, and everyone in between. This is likely due in part to the health problems that can arise from inbreeding. This belief likely comes from cats surviving fallsfrom great heights and other seemingly impossible situations. Sometimes, it has been seenas a symbol of completion or perfection. In the end, your cats life may not be nine times longer than other animals, but it can still be a long and happy one! Are you wondering if your furball is an under-covered sensitive? In addition, cats earned the reputation of having nine lives because of their fast reflexes and ability to survive almost anything. The fact that there is no universal consensus regarding . In some cultures, cats have 9 lives, while in others, 7. As a result, cats with nine lives are often seen as bringing good fortune. But in Spain, says Pet Plan UK, you'll hear that cats have seven lives (another number full of symbolic meaning), and Arabic and Turkish legends claim six lives. Do cats have nine lives? So, as a result, it is thought that having a cat in your life will bring you good luck. Cats who sleep in this position are often very social and enjoy being around people. Another story is, upon returning from the mosque, Muhammad received a bow from Muezza. The origins of the nine lives belief are unknown, but there are a number of theories about how it started. 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. [1], In Islamic tradition, cats are admired for their cleanliness. FRIGHTENING?Continue, Your email address will not be published. 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. It crops up in a stitch in time saves nine.". Atum-Ra was said to have given birth to eight other gods. Libra (September 23 October 22): The Libra cat is the true diplomat. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. However, the truth is that we dont really know how many lives cats have. This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than youd imagine. Its no wonder that cats have earned the reputation of having nine lives! [1], One of Muhammad's companions was known as Abu Hurairah (literally: "Father of the Kitten") for his attachment to cats. Tybalt: "What wouldst thou have with me? What does it mean cats have nine lives? There is a famous tale told in the Muslim community about the Prophet Muhammads relationship with cats. Why don't dogs and cats have belly buttons? 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? This meant that it was oftenused to represent completeness or perfection. In Hinduism, nine is considered a complete and divine number. Do cats have 9 lives? Christine Brovelli-O'Brien, Ph.D., is a writer, STEAM educator, and long-time cat mom. Theyre also very loyal and theyre always there for their loved ones. Cats can twist their bodies mid-air and land on their feet, thanks to their flexible spine and inner ear. ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS TO BELIEVING THAT CATS HAVE 9 SOULS? But why was it associated with cats and not any other animal or pet? [3] Abu Hurairah reported that he had heard Muhammad declare that a pious woman went to Hell for after she had been annoyed by a female cat, tied her with a rope and neglected to provide her with food and water until she died. Much to my disappointment, my mother never wished to join these legions of pet-lovers, particularly when it came to cats. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While Muslims are completely free to live with cats, they must treat the cats well. Whatever the reason, it is clear that cats are special creatures with an ability to survive against the odds. 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. Leo (July 23 August 22): The Leo cat is the true king or queen of the household. According to statistics from the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, there are now 34m pets in the UK including 12m cats and 12m dogs, along with 3.2m small mammals, such as guinea pigs and hamsters, 3m birds and 1.5m reptiles. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. Taurus (April 20 May 20): The Taurus cat is a true foodie. In 1732, Thomas Fuller wrote a book called Gnomologia: Adagies And . 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. Regardless of how different cultures view cats, it is clear that these animals hold a special place in our hearts. Cats who sleep in this position often have a regal air about them and enjoy being the center of attention. "They haven't lost their instincts to huntwhich means they can survive without human help. Theyre also fiercely independent and they like to do things their own way. But where did this idea come from? 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. Some regions around Spain believe that cats only have seven lives, while in other Arabic and Turkish legends, cats have six lives. CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? They are curious and like to explore their surroundings. This means that, technically, cats could live forever. So if youre ever feeling down, just remember that your cat may have seven more lives to live, and theres always time for a fresh start. Or maybe because it comes from the Welsh, where nine steps was used to measure legal distances. But its an infallible part of British culture: we are a nation of dog-lovers, so as a child I did feel that I missed out. They are able to come away from these perilous drops because of what is known as their "righting reflex." Do cats have nine lives or seven based on popular belief? Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. And just like our own personalities, these traits can be linked to astrology. The origin of this saying is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories. 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. As soon as she wakes up, she runs down the stairs to kiss him in the morning. But if the cats are ordinary cats and are not causing a nuisance, perhaps it is better to leave them alone to reproduce. They say that nine is "the trinity of trinities" and believe that cats most definitely have multiple lives. There are feral cats all over the world. To your amazement, cats have nine lives is a myth. So, the next time you see a cat, remember that it may be one of the nine lives! 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. 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. Regardless of its origins, the belief that cats have nine lives is widespread. Truth be said, a cat is a unique animal, he can jump from the top of a two-storey building and land safely, look at you and walk away just as if he jumped from a sofa. One theory is that cats are very agile and can survive falls from high places, which might have led people to believe they have multiple lives. The truth is, no one really knows for sure, but there is evidence to suggest that cats are resilient creatures that may have a few more lives than the average animal. Required fields are marked *. I am not alone; a total of 3.2m UK households have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic. It is most likely a misunderstanding. The answer to this question has been a mystery for centuries. Here Are 9 Secret Reasons Why Cats Really Have 9 Lives. Gemini (May 21 June 20): The Gemini cat is the true social butterfly. 4. Cats are also known for their dexterity and agility. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? Should you swerve to avoid hitting an animal? Most sources simply cite an "old English proverb"a proverb that mirrors what could arguably be called the three stages of human life, as well: "A cat has nine lives. No, cats do not have nine lives in Islam. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic . They are confident and like to be in control. By now, most of you know that I am a bit of a cat lady. However, there is no specific mention of cats having multiple lives in Islamic scripture. Well, shes not wrong. It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATSContinue. For example, in some Native American cultures, the number nine is considered a lucky number. 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. All fields are required. These are just a few of the reasons why scientists are exploring. DorkyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. In many countries such as Germany, Spain and Turkey, the Common Belief is that cats actually have 7 lives. One theory is that the belief originated with the ancient Egyptians, who revered cats as gods. Ancient Egyptian Gods Horus and Atum. So when I saw this article on the Huffington Post, I just had to share it. Let's break down the origins and realities of this myth. Over time, this belief became a popular saying or proverb, and it has been passed down through generations in many cultures worldwide. Join. In many cultures, cats are seen as lucky animals, and it is believed that owning a cat can bring good luck. Studies show the average cat may only live to be 14 years old, which is the equivalent of age 70 in human years. In China, the number nine is considered to be lucky. WHY, ADVICE AND REMEDIES. 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. The origins of the nine lives myth are unclear, but it is thought to date back to ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. [7] Muhammad ibn al Uthaymeen, a 20th-century Saudi Arabian Sunni imam, preached: If there are too many cats and they are a nuisance, and if the operation will not harm them, then there is nothing wrong with it, because this is better than killing them after they have been created. Mimicry is when a dog mimics the behavior of another. Cats are creatures of habit and their favorite sleeping position often reflects their unique personality. Dogs have yet to make this reputation. Haddon said: "Cats are small animals that can be preyed upon by bigger ones such as wolves, dogs, coyotes, large constrictor snakes, leopards etc. 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. Deter them from this behavior by cat-proofing your house, such as not placing tempting items like toys, treats and catnip in high places. They love to be the center of attention and they love to be pampered. 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.

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