Whether or not they have nine lives is still a mystery. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? 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. For example, in Islam, the significance of the number nine is much like in the Indian thought of Sanatana . This isn't due to magical powers: It's their biological make-up. Is that because they can survive anything, or does this attribution not match reality? What does the Bible say about aging with grace? Sometimes, for whatever reason, cats take a liking to human foods. 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. According to authentic narrations, one may make ablution for prayer with the same water that a cat has drunk from. But if the cats are ordinary cats and are not causing a nuisance, perhaps it is better to leave them alone to reproduce. She comes back from shopping weighed down with presents and toys for him. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Does a cat have 9 lives? However, there is no denying that cats are amazing creatures that have the ability to heal quickly and survive falls from great heights. So much so, that one of Prophet Muhammads companions was known as Abu Hurairah (Father of the Kittens) for his attachment to cats. Here are the benefits of cats in Islam: 1. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Many superstitions and fantastic stories from many centuries ago surround cats. Whatever the reason, its clear that cats are considered to be special creatures with some pretty amazing abilities! Egyptians believed that cats were reincarnated six times, which may have led to the belief that they have six lives. 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. WHY DOES MY CAT CHECK IF I AM BREATHING? 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. While the idea of cats having nine lives may seem like an old wives tale, there is actually some science to back it up. Cats are also known for their dexterity and agility. Cats are capable of doing things that allow them to avoid danger and survive when other animals might not be so fortunate. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. In Egyptian mythology, the goddess Bastet was often depicted as a cat, and she was believed to have the power to bestow seven lives upon her worshippers. An old English proverb of unknown origin directly references the idea of cats having nine lives. Not just lovely, but cats is also beneficial. Invest in a cat tree or condo as an outlet for their leaping and climbing skills. 5. Hi, Im Amanda. Some cats may only have seven lives, while others may have nine or more. (I can relate! Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Lets dig into it and see if we can figure it out. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. 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). Moreover, Cats have long been associated with having nine 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). 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. We may also be more cautious in treating them for fear of injuring them and taking away one of their nine lives. For thousands of years, people have been captivated by cats. "They haven't lost their instincts to huntwhich means they can survive without human help. Your pet can and will try to get them, so best to keep them out of sight or at a low profile. Thinking about how much love and to care acat needsto live a whole life can remind you to be kind and patient with the people in your life. Why do they say cats have nine lives? She has many furry friends and loves to talk about them and share curiosities, tips, and funny stories. Cats are creatures of habit and their favorite sleeping position often reflects their unique personality. All these quality are what makes cats truly unique. Learn how getting rid of cat odors in carpets and fabrics is key to getting your house to smell fresh and clean. Do cats have nine lives, or do they really have seven? In some cultures, cats have seven lives instead of 9. In many cultures, cats are seen as lucky animals, and it is believed that owning a cat can bring good luck. Because of this, the myth predates the late 1500s and possibly has ancient origins. Cat Symbolism & Meaning & the Cat Spirit Animal - UniGuide Dorkycats.com is monetized through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? If pushed, she has even gone so far as to say: Cats are Satan incarnate, who use their cuteness and adorability to bewitch and do the devils work.. Alderton-Sell explained that as cats mature, from age 7-10, they start to slow down a bit and put on weight. Do Cats Have Nine Lives? The Origin of the Saying - Litter-Robot Theyre also very independent and they like to do things their own way. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. Ancient Origins of a Cat's Nine Lives The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. Your email address will not be published. In September, a viral video of a cat hanging off the roof of a football stadium in Miami went viral. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Cats in Islam: The Sunnah & Blessings of These Furry Felines It's an age-old question that has been argued for centuries. YfeboAnvakenss 3 yr. ago. Arab countries tend to say that cats have six lives. Why does my cat check if I am breathing? Throughout history, cats have been said to have nine lives. In other cases, cats are viewed as powerful and wise creatures that can help protect their owners from harm. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATS. 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. Cats can sense bad energy and alert you when there is something wrong. Along with, Cats are said to have seven lives in Spain and other Spanish speaking nations. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATS. 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. ster Cat is for cat owners and lovers. This is likely due in part to the health problems that can arise from inbreeding. William Shakespeare uses the idiom in Romeo and Juliet which was written around 1595 (6). Even Though Small, Cats Are Likely To Take Out A Much Bigger And Scarier Animal. In other countries and cultures, the number of lives a cat is said to have differs. Some people believe that dogs have one life, while others believe that they have multiple lives. This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. This belief likely comes from cats surviving fallsfrom great heights and other seemingly impossible situations. Do Cats Have 9 Lives? Get The Comprehensive Facts Here - FelineLiving.net Across the U.S. there are almost 60 million pet cats, with around one in four households having a feline companion. They love to eat and theyre always on the lookout for the best food around. 2. Youll also need a drill, saw, and other basic tools. 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). Some say that cats have nine lives because they are able to land on their feet when they fall from a great height. The site is also monetized with affiliate programs from LinkShare, CJ, ShareASale, and other networks, at no additional cost to you. There is even a famous saying in China:A cat has nine lives but only uses seven.. Are you wondering if your furball is an under-covered sensitive? This is a question that I get asked a lot, and to be honest, Im not entirely sure what the answer is. However, they are not necessarily associated with the number nine. 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. Without an umbilical cord, a belly button cannot be created. Almost two-thirds of new owners are aged between 16 and 34 and 56% of new pet owners have children at home. They love to be the center of attention and they love to be pampered. This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. In fact, the number of lives a cat has varies depending on the culture. And what is the meaning behind that famous saying? Whatever the reason, it is clear that cats are special creatures with an ability to survive against the odds. I have four cats of my own, and I frequently foster kittens for a local animal shelter. Some cats have personalities that stand out from, Read More CAN A CAT BE EVIL? [6] Youve made your very own DIY cat scratching post. Therighting reflexappears at 34 weeks of age and is perfected at 67 weeks. No matter how spectacular their leaping skills are, keep in mind that cats are not indestructible and don't always land on their feet. Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? - The Fact Site With cats being some of the luckiest animals in terms of evading danger, assigning the species seven lives seems appropriate. What happens when blood sugar gets too high. They love to explore and theyre always up for a new challenge. They Have Extremely Good Agility. Vittoria is a full-time blogger with a passion for cats and pets in general. Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock. Some people believe, Read More CAT CRYING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE SUPERSTITION AND 5 MORE!Continue, Can cats sense bad energy? 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. I'll take one, and, depending on how you treat me after that, I might beat the other eight out of you too. If someone outside of the family killed a cat, that person could be put to death. She created Dorkycats.com to help cat owners learn more about their furry feline friends! FRIGHTENING? 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. In others, they are considered to be sacred creatures. The first known reference to the nine lives myth was in a book by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. Heres a look: Aries (March 21 April 19): The Aries cat is a true pioneer. To your amazement, cats have nine lives is a myth. This means cats can survive situations that other animals might not be able to, making them seem like they have more lives than most. When they reach old age, they need more rest and tend to live at a slower pace of life. Once youve wrapped the post to your desired height, cut off any excess rope and staple the end down. 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. Atum-Ra was . In some cases, cats are considered lucky animals that bring good fortune to their owners. Despite their work as mousers, cats retained their air of mystique. However, this is not actually true. The belief that cats have nine lives is simply a myth or superstition passed down through generations. The myth is attributed to the natural suppleness, and swiftness cats exhibit to escape life-threatening situations. Have you heard about cats having nine lives? Others believe that the seven lives refers to the fact that cats have seven different stages in their lives, from kittenhood to old age. So, do cats have nine lives? [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. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. Cats cant die and come back right after. Do Cats Have 9 Lives (Souls)? Not Really, But Why does my dog act like a cat but I don't have a cat? For example, you may notice when yourcat is purringor rubbing against your leg, and you may appreciate their presence more. And it was a cat who became one of the first media-driven animal celebrities. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. They have a strong survival instinct and are able to recover from injuries that would be fatal to other animals. One theory is that the belief originated from Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. Why do we say that cats have nine lives? - Encyclopaedia Felidae Theyre always living in their own little world and theyre always chasing their dreams. This is a very popular sleeping position for cats. 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! 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. Cats who sleep in this position are often very active and playful. So I tried my best to convince her. Cats have nine lives, according to popular belief. For three he play s, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? - JuicyGoofy Theyre also very passionate and they can be quite stubborn. ats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. Due to this reflex, cats can land on all four paws, making them survive very high falls. She says that he is like a playful, charming teenager who doesnt answer back. In truth, cats have exactly nine lives in some specific cultures. Do Cats Have Nine Lives? The Myth Explained - Newsweek Cats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. Do cats really have 9 lives? - by Alias - The BURNER 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. Most, however, maintain that neutering cats is allowed "if there is some benefit in neutering the cat and if that will not cause its death". It reflects a cats natural instinct to curl up in a tight space to stay warm and protected. We may never know the exact origin of the myth. [4] According to legend, Abu Saeed's cat saved Muhammad from a snake. Cats are known for their agility and flexibility, which allows them to land on their feet even when falling from great heights. Unfortunately, cats do not have 9 lives, but science has uncovered some fascinating facts about cats and their relationship to a danger that might explain why this myth has persisted . The origins of the nine lives belief are unknown, but there are a number of theories about how it started. Join. Dedicated cat lovers are so proud of the relationship they have with their cats, they embrace the term "crazy cat owners" with open arms. 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. In the end, there was only one approach that I knew could work. So it is obviously not a possibility. Cats Are Modern Day Ninjas. Your cat's back legs are so strong that they easily can leap six times their height! Cats are some of the most popular pets in the world, after all. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. 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." Then, thread the sisal rope through the hole, tying a knot at the top. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases, About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Contact Us. Many Egyptian families would keep cats as pets and even feed them their food. This is a question that has been debated by cat lovers for centuries. This is even true at night due to their ability to see adequately in the dark. But where did this idea come from? But because animals aren't consuming a lot of carbohydrates, their mouths aren't inundated with this specific bacterium. For that reason, cats are often depicted in paintings alongside Islamic scholars and bibliophiles. Its possible that this belief in the mystical power of cats contributed to the idea that they had multiple lives. The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. Based on this culture, cats are supposed to be treated well and fed appropriately. Theyre always mysterious and theyre always seeming to know more than theyre letting on. Much to my disappointment, my mother never wished to join these legions of pet-lovers, particularly when it came to cats. Theyre also very loyal and theyre always there for their loved ones. This position is relatively rare and is often seen in cats who are very relaxed and comfortable in their environment. Partly it was based on watching a scary video about a cat in her childhood. Theyre also very proud and they can be quite stubborn. Pet cats were mummified and buried. Do cats really have 9 lives? If you have observed a cat falling, you may have seen that they open its paws apart, forming a sort of parachute. The civilization was known to worship cats, with several deities being depicted as having cat-shaped heads. DragonHunter256 3 yr. ago. Additionally, since time immemorial, cats have been feared for being magical. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This period covers age 24-40 in human years.". 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. If a cat "comes back to life" multiple times, the number nine makes sense when looked at from a mystical point of view. 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. How many lives do cats have? So, despite the odds, I got a kitten. The idea of nine lives may also have come from Shakespeare or traditional sayings. Theres no one answer to this question since its more of a saying or superstition than anything else. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have nine lives. Let's break down the origins and realities of this myth. Sagittarius (November 22 December 21): The Sagittarius cat is the true adventurer. Do Cats Really Have 9 Lives ?Here's 9 Reasons Why They Do - All About Cats Some cultures see them as lucky animals that bring good fortune. But its best to be on the safe side with thebest cat insurance plans. In Britain, a hatred for pets is unheard of, any bitterness towards animals is considered completely unacceptable. They will leave home if treated badly. 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. Cats do not make it easy for us to figure them out. Would they think that a cats life is just like a humans life, only with more lives? Some of them even remember things that they couldnt possibly know unless they had actually lived through them. 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. The number nine has also been associatedwith luck in various cultures. 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. Theosophy believes that cats are endowed with something special that makes them so agile that they can cheat death in most dangerous situations. However, the best way to ensure your cats longevity is by providing them with a safe environment and regular checkups from your veterinarian. Theyre always doing their own thing and theyre never afraid to be different. So, while science cant prove that cats have nine lives, it can certainly explain why the myth has existed for so long! We all love our cats. 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. They were believed to have been created by thegoddess Bastetand were thought to be able to ward off evil spirits. It can range from 6 to 10 on average, she explains. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Inevitably, it took me a while. 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. [1] Furthermore, there is a belief among some Muslims that cats seek out people who are praying. No, cats do not have nine lives in Islam. All fields are required. What You Need to Know! Another explanation is thatcats have a high pain threshold, meaning they can endure injuries that would be deadly to other animals. If a cat makes it to 21, that would be like 100 years old in human terms. Here are some popular cat sleeping positions and what they say about your feline friend: This position is named after the Egyptian cat breed known for its hairless body. For cats, the theory surrounding the nine lives origin rose in popularity thanks to an old English Proverb. Save my name & email in this browser for the next [1] Furthermore, there is a belief among some Muslims that cats seek out people who are praying.[6]. The nine lives myth can be believed by people in Islam, like in other cultures. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? complete answer on animals.howstuffworks.com, View Although not meant in super seriousness, the proverb tells that: "A cat has nine lives. . Why don't dogs and cats have belly buttons? Christine Brovelli-O'Brien, Ph.D., is a writer, STEAM educator, and long-time cat mom. As a result, cats with nine lives are often seen as bringing good fortune. Some people believe that cats have multiple lives, while others believe that they only have one. The myth that cats have multiple lives exists in many cultures across the world, but it is not always nine lives. And more importantly, is there any truth to it? And finally, some cultures believe cats have nine lives because they can heal quickly from injuries. Should you swerve to avoid hitting an animal? blood pressure, bladder stretch). These 7 Signs Will Help You Find Out, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. Do cats have nine lives, or do they really have seven? Mothers being mothers, she also spoke to lots of different Muslims about their cats, and eventually, her fears melted away. Also, Cats are popularly known to have nine lives because they are very agile. Their abilities to safely jump from high places and their tendencies to escape deleterious catastrophes could have led to people thinking they have multiple lives. If youre a cat lover, I think youll enjoy this article. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDA. Cats can twist their bodies mid-air and land on their feet, thanks to their flexible spine and inner ear. Finally, it is sometimes seen as aprecursor of change or transformation. So the age process, like the other life processes of a dog, is sped up. 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. Rather than wake her, he used a pair of scissors to cut the sleeve off, leaving the cat undisturbed. But, from what Ive heard and read, it seems like a possibility. 6. r/Showerthoughts. How Many Lives Do Cats Have? Do They Really Have 9 Lives? - FVEAP Yet as a nation, we compare cats unfairly to dogs. In ancient Chinese culture, nine is considered to be one of the luckiest numbers of all and quickly became associated with the feline kind. In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. The number nine has held various significances in different cultures throughout history. Even our beloved Prophet (SAW) had a cat on his own, named Muezza, proving cats to be a special animal in Islam. In some European folklore, there are stories of witches or supernatural beings who could transform into cats and have multiple lives. As a passionate fan of everything about cats, she is is more than happy to be the editor and provide content on what she is passionate about.