Theosophy believes that cats are endowed with something special that makes them so agile that they can cheat death in most dangerous situations. In addition, domestic dogs tend to live shorter lives than wolves. 6. r/Showerthoughts. Cats can do this because they have an unusually flexiblebackboneand no functionalclavicle(collarbone). 9: vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, pain, mechanoreception (balance etc. The nine lives of cats have been a subject of fascination for centuries. Partly it was based on watching a scary video about a cat in her childhood. Your email address will not be published. One theory is that the number nine is considered to be a lucky number in many cultures. Some people believe, Read More CAT CRYING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE SUPERSTITION AND 5 MORE!Continue, Can cats sense bad energy? The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. Cats can pull off the most incredible stunts ever to make you wonder if they have extra senses or special powers. With dogs you get what you see they have no hidden traits or personality quirks. They say that nine is the trinity of trinities and believe that cats most definitely have multiple lives. Cats.com went out and did some research to find what makes cats super survivors. 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. [1] Furthermore, there is a belief among some Muslims that cats seek out people who are praying.[6]. This theory is supported by the fact that cats have been known to survive falls from great heights and car accidents. So I tried my best to convince her. The Egyptians saw their feline friends as divine creatures with supernatural powers. Theres no one answer to this question since its more of a saying or superstition than anything else. In others, they are considered to be sacred creatures. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Theyre always striving for perfection and theyre always looking for ways to improve. WHY, ADVICE AND REMEDIES. 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. 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 Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. As humans farmed and stored food, they attracted common prey for cats, such as mice and rats. Why don't cats and dogs have belly buttons? So, do I believe that humans have nine lives? This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. 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. Its possible that this belief in the mystical power of cats contributed to the idea that they had multiple lives. Some believe that cats have nine lives, while others believe they have seven. Another story is, upon returning from the mosque, Muhammad received a bow from Muezza. "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. Dogs Have Strong Natural Body Odors Just as cats don't have sweat glands all over their bodies, neither do dogs. In the end, there was only one approach that I knew could work. Nonetheless, cats can still be injured or killed by a high fall. Regardless of its origins, the belief that cats have nine lives is widespread. Its no wonder that cats have earned the reputation of having nine lives! This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than youd imagine. ", 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. According to authentic narrations, one may make ablution for prayer with the same water that a cat has drunk from. In addition, 9 was seen as asymbol of immortality, as it was the highest number that could be represented in the Greek numerical system. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Many superstitions and fantastic stories from many centuries ago surround cats. 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. This is because seven is a magical number related to good luck. You may think your cat has 9 lives. And when wild cats began to live more closely with human beings around . In China, the number nine is considered to be lucky. So, do cats actually have nine lives? The number nine has also been associatedwith luck in various cultures. She cooks arguably the best chicken parmesan in the world, and also has impeccable taste in Bollywood music. Libra (September 23 October 22): The Libra cat is the true diplomat. 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. The domestic cat is a revered animal in Islam. [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. What do you call someone with no siblings? Cat meaning and symbolism includes elegance, curiosity, independence, protection, magic, and other notable qualities. That's because they were born via eggs or some other mode to incubate the baby other than a placenta. Some cats can tell you when something terrible is, Read More CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? It helps that he has beautiful green eyes and the softest fur, too. complete answer on besidestillwater.net. In Japan, cats are also seen as lucky creatures. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Is that because they can survive anything, or does this attribution not match reality? No, cats do not have nine lives in Islam. is a question that has long perplexed cat lovers and scientists alike. 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. Even before wild cats became domesticated, ancient cultures believed in the cat spirit animal. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. So, there you have it. 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. Pet cats were mummified and buried. Start by drilling a hole through the center of your piece of wood. This information should not be substituted for a professional veterinary consultation. Then, thread the sisal rope through the hole, tying a knot at the top. One could say that many cultures have a unique take on what cats mean spiritually to them. They might be grumpy creatures that would knock things over around the house, nestle and curl up on our laps when we're down, and sometimes even when we're busy! Dogs can be hit and abused by cruel owners and will come back for more. Essentially, they are doing more in a shorter period of time than our bodies are. She says that he is like a playful, charming teenager who doesnt answer back. 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. How many people are killed by cats each year. 3. Scientists call this righting reflex. 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. Capricorn (December 22 January 19): The Capricorn cat is the true traditionalist. Are you wondering if your furball is an under-covered sensitive? 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). Whatever the reason for the belief that cats have seven lives, its clear that these creatures are often able to evade danger and live long, happy lives. 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. The idea of nine lives may also have come from Shakespeare or traditional sayings. Due to this reflex, cats can land on all four paws, making them survive very high falls. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why they're allowed to enter homes and even mosques.. So, despite the odds, I got a kitten. 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. 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. One is that it can give people a deeper appreciation and love for cats. First, youll need to gather your supplies. Learn how getting rid of cat odors in carpets and fabrics is key to getting your house to smell fresh and clean. In my culture, theyre viewed as dirty and if I had even stroked one, I would have to shower. The sun god Atum-Ra was said to take the form of a cat so he could visit the underworld. All fields are required. They are also extremely quick at being able to react when danger presents itself.". complete answer on seniorcatwellness.com, View Your pet can and will try to get them, so best to keep them out of sight or at a low profile. Due to how cherished and loved cats are in Islam, the mistreatment of this animal is considered a serious sin. Reptiles, marsupials, and fish, in contrast, do not have belly buttons. "And finally, they don't take abuse. Every day, my mother spends hours gawking at him, besotted. 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. For three he plays, for three he strays and for the last three he stays." Also, Cats are popularly known to have nine lives because they are very agile. 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 for so long. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Even the most affectionate and characterful cat may make a poor first impression. Some people believe that dogs have one life, while others believe that they have multiple lives. However, they are not necessarily associated with the number nine. 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. The details are murky surrounding the origin of the nine lives myth. Many Egyptian families would keep cats as pets and even feed them their food. As a result, cats with nine lives are often seen as bringing good fortune. 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.". Yet as a nation, we compare cats unfairly to dogs. We couldnt help laughing at her overreaction and yet her fear of cats was genuine. Should you swerve to avoid hitting an animal? Mercutio: Good King of Cats, I want to take one of your nine lives. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. 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. What do dog groomers use to make dogs smell so good? Required fields are marked *. What does the Bible say about the black horse? Domestication sped up in Ancient Egypt. Of all the cat myths and misconceptions out there, one of the most persistent is that cats have lives to spare. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. However, cats are known to be remarkably resilient creatures, and they do have some amazing survival stories. So, what does your cats zodiac sign say about their personality? "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. 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. Additionally, since time immemorial, cats have been feared for being magical. Why do they say cats have nine lives? Image Credit: Ivanova N, Shutterstock Egyptian Gods The number nine may originate from ancient Egypt. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and considered to be sacred animals. Learn how to build an easy, homemade DIY cat scratching post using items around your house! For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. Why do cats use litter boxes and dogs don't? There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that cats have nine lives. It is possible that the myth originated from the fact that cats were often associated with the goddess Bastet, who was thought to have had nine lives. Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. Cats also have super-flexible bones with a light structure and a thick fur all which they use to their advantage. Lastly, believing that cats have 9 lives can also help people to be more compassionate towards others. But, its definitely something to think about. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. All placental mammals like cats, which are mammals with placenta, technically have belly buttons. 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? It crops up in a stitch in time saves nine.". However, there are a few theories about why cats may have nine lives belief is so popular. They are curious and like to explore their surroundings. Theres no right or wrong answer to this question, but its something to think about. Cats Are Modern Day Ninjas. 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. They love to explore and theyre always up for a new challenge. There is even a famous saying in China:A cat has nine lives but only uses seven.. Different cultures have different views on cats and their supposed nine lives. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS BEHIND THE 9 LIVES OF CATS? Not just lovely, but cats is also beneficial. CAN THE BELIEF IN CATS HAVING 9 SOULS CHANGE THE WAY WE SEE THEM? notachadbro 3 yr. ago. Therighting reflexappears at 34 weeks of age and is perfected at 67 weeks. Cats are known for their agility and flexibility, which allows them to land on their feet even when falling from great heights. There is no scientific evidence to support either claim, so it is ultimately up to each individual to decide what they believe. Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives?Happy WatchingLike Comment Share And Subscribe #facts #factshorts #cats In this video, . They love to be around people and theyre always the life of the party. In Hinduism, nine is considered a complete and divine number. For example, in some Native American cultures, the number nine is considered a lucky number. One New York cat is known to have survived a fall of 32 stories. No matter how spectacular their leaping skills are, keep in mind that cats are not indestructible and don't always land on their feet. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATSContinue. Unlike dogs, cats can live an independent life in parallel with their owner. One belief about cats is that they have nine lives. Your email address will not be published. Why does my cat check if I am breathing? There are a lot of stories about people who have had Near Death Experiences (NDEs) and have come back with stories about their past lives. Dispelling the Myth of Nine Lives For one, cats are not described as having nine lives in all cultures. So it is obviously not a possibility. Theyre always mysterious and theyre always seeming to know more than theyre letting on. Your email address will not be published. The number nine holds significance in numerology, especially due to its composition of three groups of three, like the structure of the English proverb. Do Cats Have 9 Lives In Islam? Cats are capable of doing things that allow them to avoid danger and survive when other animals might not be so fortunate. 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. They will leave home if treated badly. This might change how we interact with them because we may be more careful around them. Mimicry is when a dog mimics the behavior of another. 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. Your cat's back legs are so strong that they easily can leap six times their height! YfeboAnvakenss 3 yr. ago. Cats should be provided with enough food, water and given roaming time. These are just a few of the reasons why scientists are exploring. ster Cat is for cat owners and lovers. This period covers age 24-40 in human years.". 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. Across the U.S. there are almost 60 million pet cats, with around one in four households having a feline companion. Cats are lucky animals because they often avoid danger. Muslim scholars are divided on the issue of neutering animals. 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. For these reasons, I was never allowed near a dog and the idea of owning one never seriously crossed my mind. This means that they can heal from injuries and diseases more quickly than other animals. The number of dog nipples depends on the breed, Dr. Chayasriwong says. Much research still needs to be done to determine if this is true. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATS. Theyre also very proud and they can be quite stubborn. Why do cats clean themselves but dogs don t. Some say that cats have nine lives because they are able to land on their feet when they fall from a great height. She created Dorkycats.com to help cat owners learn more about their furry feline friends! CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDA. In humans and animals, the main cavity-causing culprit is a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans. We are practising Muslims and I eventually realised that this was the way to her heart where cats were concerned and I wondered why I hadnt tried this approach earlier. In Britain, a hatred for pets is unheard of, any bitterness towards animals is considered completely unacceptable. They do not demand walks or need taking outside to poop, and they dont require a lot of space; all you need is a sofa, and soon enough you will have a purring cat sitting on your knees. If he has an extra sense, or if he pretends to be silly, illogic, and cute while he is a sort of genius? CAT CRYING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE SUPERSTITION AND 5 MORE! Rather than wake her, he used a pair of scissors to cut the sleeve off, leaving the cat undisturbed. 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. But its best to be on the safe side with thebest cat insurance plans. It can range from 6 to 10 on average, she explains. Heres a look: Aries (March 21 April 19): The Aries cat is a true pioneer. Its even permissible to eat from the same bowl that a cat has eaten from. The institution, in which domestic felines were sheltered and nourished, was funded by a waqf, along with caretakers' wages, veterinary care and cat food. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They are required to be granted freedom of movement. As he began to dress he discovered that Muezza was sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. Their impressive jumping skills are due to the muscle mass and the length of their hind legs. We may never know the exact origin of the myth. Why does my dog act like a cat but I don't have a cat? In some cases, cats are considered lucky animals that bring good fortune to their owners. The number nine has held various significances in different cultures throughout history. They love to be around their family and theyre very loyal to their loved ones. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. What happens when blood sugar gets too high. Do cats have nine lives or seven based on popular belief? Additionally, early Anglo-Saxon settlers of England (originally called Angle-lond), used the number nine in both legal and literary contexts, says Encyclopedia Britannica. She'll get exercise and you won't get a ruined staircase. 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. Some of them even remember things that they couldnt possibly know unless they had actually lived through them. One theory is that the belief originated with the ancient Egyptians, who revered cats as gods. Does a cat have 9 lives? 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. Inevitably, it took me a while. In some cases, cats have even been known to survive falling from great heights. But, from what Ive heard and read, it seems like a possibility. This is a question that has been debated by cat lovers for centuries. The article, written by one of the shelters volunteers, is called How One Cat Lovers Feline Craziness Shines Through. Its a great read for anyone who loves cats, and its also a good reminder that even the most dedicated cat people have their moments of feline-induced craziness. 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 . How many lives do cats have? When they reach old age, they need more rest and tend to live at a slower pace of life. What we do know, notes Science magazine, is that the fascination with cats dates way back to about 12,000 years ago in the homes and places of worship of the ancient Egyptians. No one knows for sure. Plus, they get up to so much mischief we want the nine lives saying to be true!". Vittoria is a full-time blogger with a passion for cats and pets in general. There is a way of saying that cats have nine lives in many cultures. [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. It is most likely a misunderstanding. 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. But because animals aren't consuming a lot of carbohydrates, their mouths aren't inundated with this specific bacterium. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Atum-Ra was said to have given birth to eight other gods. 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. In ancient Chinese culture, nine is considered to be one of the luckiest numbers of all and quickly became associated with the feline kind. She spams everyone with WhatsApp photos of Milo and texts me every couple of hours about how her favourite child is doing. Growing up I was always aware of this hostility. I'll take one, and, depending on how you treat me after that, I might beat the other eight out of you too. Cats have acute senses and know they should not jump from a balcony if it is too high. Cats check if you are breathing, especially at night, because they have not seen you moving for several hours. There is a famous tale told in the Muslim community about the Prophet Muhammads relationship with cats. Theyre always living in their own little world and theyre always chasing their dreams. 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. Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. So, which is it? On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Cats are not immortal, just like us, they have only one life. 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. POPULAR BELIEFS AND SAYINGS ABOUT CATS AND THE 9 LIVES. This means that they are less likely to be injured than other animals, which may lead people to believe that they have more lives. In some cultures, cats have 9 lives, while in others, 7. [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. To your amazement, cats have nine lives is a myth. The ancient Egyptians believed these animals were sacred and divine beings with supernatural powers. The story goes that Muhammad awoke one day to the call of prayer. 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. It is highly amusing when I remind my mother of how she used to feel about cats. Save my name & email in this browser for the next Whether or not they have nine lives is still a mystery. Dr. Lucinda Alderton-Sell, Cats Protection's Field Veterinary Officer, previously told Newsweek: "Between the ages of 3 and 6, cats are in the prime of their lives and usually at their peak of physical fitness. Do cats have 9 lives? Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. 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." To the Ancient Greeks, it represented a magic number and is associated with the gods. We like to think they would always be there for us since they have nine lives, This is thought to relate to seven being considered a magical number related to good luck. This belief likely comes from cats surviving fallsfrom great heights and other seemingly impossible situations. And if youre not a cat lover, well, maybe it will help you understand us a little better! The sun god Atum-Ra was said to take the form of a cat so he could visit the underworld.