The myth of cats having nine lives may have come from Ancient Egypt. Also, Cats are popularly known to have nine lives because they are very agile. 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). But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. . This is even true at night due to their ability to see adequately in the dark. Much research still needs to be done to determine if this is true. How exactly would people think cats had 6, 7, or 9 lives? 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. 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.". Well the phrase cats have nine lives is an ancient one and can be traced to those times when magic was popular. I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. If a cat "comes back to life" multiple times, the number nine makes sense when looked at from a mystical point of view. The number nine has held various significances in different cultures throughout history. What does the Bible say about the black horse? Aquarius (January 20 February 18): The Aquarius cat is the true independent. We all have challenges and struggles, and its important to remember everyone is fighting their own battle. Theyre always looking for ways to keep the peace and theyre always trying to please everyone. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Every day, my mother spends hours gawking at him, besotted. Atum-Ra was . complete answer on animals.howstuffworks.com, View In Hinduism, nine is considered a complete and divine number. First, youll need to gather your supplies. She vividly remembers watching a black cat, with daunting green eyes, jumping into a mans mouth and suffocating him. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. So they have evolved to be escape artists. These stories may have also contributed to the belief that cats had nine lives. If you have observed a cat falling, you may have seen that they open its paws apart, forming a sort of parachute. This means cats can survive situations that other animals might not be able to, making them seem like they have more lives than most. 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. Do Cats Have 9 Lives In Islam? FRIGHTENING? Learn how getting rid of cat odors in carpets and fabrics is key to getting your house to smell fresh and clean. 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." ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. However, there are a few theories about why cats may have nine lives belief is so popular. If youre ever wondering how people come up with ideas like this, just remember that theres no one correct answer. Ageing in cats begins rapidly, but slows down as they get older. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why they're allowed to enter homes and even mosques.. Even going way back to the 1st century when they were thrown from towers, cats have had a habit of cheating death. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". Cats Belong To A Very Special Family They Have The Power Of Lions, Tigers, And Cheetahs In Their Soul. [2] According to many hadith, the Islamic prophet Muhammad prohibited the persecution and killing of cats. 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. Falling #cat saved at #MiamiHurricanes football game at #HardRockStadium #9lives #catsoftiktok @Miami Hurricanes. "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. Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? Without an umbilical cord, a belly button cannot be created. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why theyre allowed to enter homes and even mosques. This is thought to relate to seven being considered a magical number related to good luck. As soon as she wakes up, she runs down the stairs to kiss him in the morning. The answer may surprise you. 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). Start by drilling a hole through the center of your piece of wood. Historians have traced the importance of cats and the significance of the number nine to the ancient Egyptians, who considered cats sacred. Learn more. This led to the belief that cats must have some sort of magical power or ability that allows them to cheat death. The myth that cats have multiple lives exists in many cultures across the world, but it is not always nine lives. Horus is seen on the right and Atum to the left of Horus. [5][pageneeded] Aside from protecting granaries and food stores from pests, cats were valued by the paper-based Arab-Islamic cultures for preying on mice that destroyed books. Youll also need a drill, saw, and other basic tools. InGreek Mythology, the number 9 was oftenassociated with the goddesses of love and destiny, such as Aphrodite and Athena. Now she does everything for him: cleans out his litter tray, feeds him and plays with him. So, every time a cat dies, it is reborn with a new life. Cats cant die and come back right after. 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. If he has an extra sense, or if he pretends to be silly, illogic, and cute while he is a sort of genius? Even our beloved Prophet (SAW) had a cat on his own, named Muezza, proving cats to be a special animal in Islam. Mothers being mothers, she also spoke to lots of different Muslims about their cats, and eventually, her fears melted away. However, the best way to ensure your cats longevity is by providing them with a safe environment and regular checkups from your veterinarian. CAN THE BELIEF IN CATS HAVING 9 SOULS CHANGE THE WAY WE SEE THEM? Unlike dogs, cats can live an independent life in parallel with their owner. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? [7], Many Muslims believe that Muezza (or Muizza; Arabic: ) was Muhammad's favorite cat. 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. 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. Why does my dog act like a cat but I don't have a cat? Will you pull your sword out of its sheath? 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. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. Theyre always mysterious and theyre always seeming to know more than theyre letting on. Cats have nine lives, according to popular belief. This is a question that has been debated by cat lovers for centuries. Cats who sleep in this position are usually very independent and self-sufficient. The Egyptians believed that cats were magical creatures with the power to come back to life after death. She has many furry friends and loves to talk about them and share curiosities, tips, and funny stories. For example, they believed it took nine days to fall from heaven to Earth. Cookie Consent Tool. It is thought the departure from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a farming one was beneficial to these ancient cats. The same is true in some Asian cultures. In China, nine is associated with the dragon, which is a symbol of power. 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. Cats have acute senses and know they should not jump from a balcony if it is too high. Your pet can and will try to get them, so best to keep them out of sight or at a low profile. The Egyptians saw their feline friends as divine creatures with supernatural powers. ", 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. Dedicated cat lovers are so proud of the relationship they have with their cats, they embrace the term "crazy cat owners" with open arms. This information should not be substituted for a professional veterinary consultation. We like to think they would always be there for us since they have nine lives, For example, in Islam, the significance of the number nine is much like in the Indian thought of Sanatana . In Britain, a hatred for pets is unheard of, any bitterness towards animals is considered completely unacceptable. One is that it can give people a deeper appreciation and love for cats. For example, thinking cats have 9 lives can help you appreciate the moments you live in more. 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. There are feral cats all over the world. However, unlike humans, cats have more vertebrae. Therefore, a cats death was considered unfortunate, and elaborate funerals were often held in their honor. Additionally, early Anglo-Saxon settlers of England (originally called Angle-lond), used the number nine in both legal and literary contexts, says Encyclopedia Britannica. Domestication sped up in Ancient Egypt. Another theory is that cats are able to regenerate their cells at a faster rate than other animals. Or believe they could see, smell, and predict things we cant? Do they leap on your closet doors, cabinets or fridge? And finally, some cultures believe cats have nine lives because they can heal quickly from injuries. In others, they are considered to be sacred creatures. Your email address will not be published. And with that comes the same onus to protect them from harm and take proper care of them. And it was a cat who became one of the first media-driven animal celebrities. This position is often seen in younger cats who are full of energy. DO CATS BITE THEIR NAILS? [1], One of Muhammad's companions was known as Abu Hurairah (literally: "Father of the Kitten") for his attachment to cats. Cats neither forgive nor forget. 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. Lastly, believing that cats have 9 lives can also help people to be more compassionate towards others. For that reason, cats are often depicted in paintings alongside Islamic scholars and bibliophiles. So, what does your cats zodiac sign say about their personality? According to a myth in many cultures, cats have multiple lives. complete answer on wendyvandepoll.medium.com, View I am not alone; a total of 3.2m UK households have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic. Cats started living alongside humans in the Near East during the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago. 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. Theyre also very affectionate and they love to be petted and cuddled. "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. It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. What does the Bible say about aging with grace? Is that because they can survive anything, or does this attribution not match reality? 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. 2023 DorkyCats - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Terms Of Service | Privacy Policy | Disclaimers | Contact | About, HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CAT SEES A GHOST? Unlike dogs, cats have been revered for centuries in Muslim culture. In the end, it only took a couple of weeks of telling my mother how seraphic and spiritual cats are in Islam for her to fall in love with the idea. "Cats have nine lives" is a saying that has been around for hundreds of years at least. However, this is not actually true. complete answer on besidestillwater.net. 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. They are required to be granted freedom of movement. Cats also have super-flexible bones with a light structure and a thick fur all which they use to their advantage. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? It's an age-old question that has been argued for centuries. The sun god Atum-Ra was said to take the form of a cat so he could visit the underworld. Dogs can be hit and abused by cruel owners and will come back for more. As a result, you may take fewer things for granted and be more present in your life. Some cats may only have seven lives, while others may have nine or more. The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. There are a few benefits to believing that cats have 9 souls. All placental mammals like cats, which are mammals with placenta, technically have belly buttons. Theyre also very passionate and they can be quite stubborn. 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. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. WHY, ADVICE AND REMEDIES. Learn how to build an easy, homemade DIY cat scratching post using items around your house! An old English proverb of unknown origin directly references the idea of cats having nine lives. Im not sure. The origins of the nine lives belief are unknown, but there are a number of theories about how it started. One theory is that the belief originated from Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is a balance reflex that allows them to orientate themselves as they fall in order to land on their feet. One theory is that the number nine is considered to be a lucky number in many cultures. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Yet as a nation, we compare cats unfairly to dogs. 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. Ancient Origins of a Cat's Nine Lives The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. Lets look at the science behind cats legendary nine lives and find out if theres any truth to it! Cats have an infinite number of lives, but they dont always live to a ripe old age. She cooks arguably the best chicken parmesan in the world, and also has impeccable taste in Bollywood music. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Why do cats have litter boxes and dogs don't? They say Curiosity kill cats, but it turns out its actually a lot harder than That. Cats check if you are breathing, especially at night, because they have not seen you moving for several hours. 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. Now its time to add the carpet or fabric. Some say that cats have nine lives, while others believe that they have infinite lives. Cats also have an extra flexible spine that allows them to move their bodies fast and in the most unique positions. Regardless of how different cultures view cats, it is clear that these animals hold a special place in our hearts. In fact, there is even a famous saying in China: "A cat has nine lives but only uses seven." This belief likely comes from the fact that cats can survive falls from great heights and other seemingly impossible situations. And just like our own personalities, these traits can be linked to astrology. Moreover, Cats have long been associated with having nine 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. Cats are known for their agility and flexibility, which allows them to land on their feet even when falling from great heights. Another benefit is that it can help people be more mindful of their lives. No one knows for sure. Do cats really have 9 lives? So, where did the idea that cats have nine lives come from? Theres no way to know for sure, but its certainly an interesting theory. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. Some cats can tell you when something terrible is, Read More CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? Have you heard about cats having nine lives? As a result, cats with nine lives are often seen as bringing good fortune. 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. 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. Heres a look: Aries (March 21 April 19): The Aries cat is a true pioneer. I used my religion to convince her. 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. Scorpio (October 23 November 21): The Scorpio cat is the true mystery of the zodiac. In other countries and cultures, the number of lives a cat is said to have differs. For cats, the theory surrounding the nine lives origin rose in popularity thanks to an old English Proverb. So, do cats really have seven lives? DragonHunter256 3 yr. ago. As he began to dress he discovered that Muezza was sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. So, the next time you see a cat, remember that it may be one of the nine lives! In this way, they can slow down the fall. She comes back from shopping weighed down with presents and toys for him. 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. 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. Why does my cat check if I am breathing? If youre a cat person, you know that each feline friend has their own unique personality. Are those adorable pets actually evil? Many Egyptian families would keep cats as pets and even feed them their food. Have you ever encountered this behavior from your cat? All fields are required. This means that they are less likely to be injured than other animals, which may lead people to believe that they have more lives. What personality disorder does the Grinch have? Many people think of cats as aloof and uncaring, but believing they have 9 lives can change how you see them. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic . 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. 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. Cats have 9 lives, and dogs dont because they have a long history that goes back to Ancient Egypt, including mythology. Theyre always doing their own thing and theyre never afraid to be different. The number of dog nipples depends on the breed, Dr. Chayasriwong says.