Here Are 9 Secret Reasons Why Cats Really Have 9 Lives. [2] According to many hadith, the Islamic prophet Muhammad prohibited the persecution and killing of cats. Keep on reading to find out. 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. It can range from 6 to 10 on average, she explains. However, there is no specific mention of cats having multiple lives in Islamic scripture. One theory is that the belief originated with the ancient Egyptians, who revered cats as gods. So, what is the truth? In the meantime, we can only speculate why these furry creatures seem so resilient. Throughout lockdown, pet ownership has surged. According to scientists, cats actually have an infinite number of lives. Another theory is that the six lives myth is based on the fact that cats are relatively resilient animals. Even the most affectionate and characterful cat may make a poor first impression. Arab countries tend to say that cats have six lives. I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. 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). Muslim scholars are divided on the issue of neutering animals. This is a popular myth or superstition that has been around for centuries. But if the cats are ordinary cats and are not causing a nuisance, perhaps it is better to leave them alone to reproduce. In ancient Chinese culture, nine is considered to be one of the luckiest numbers of all and quickly became associated with the feline kind. Image Credit: Ivanova N, Shutterstock Egyptian Gods The number nine may originate from ancient Egypt. Start by drilling a hole through the center of your piece of wood. 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. Dogs Have Strong Natural Body Odors Just as cats don't have sweat glands all over their bodies, neither do dogs. Cats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. Yes indeed! Use the groups and forums to connect and share with friends. Now its time to add the carpet or fabric. 119. The idea cats have nine lives may have endured because of their incredible agility. In many cultures, cats are seen as lucky animals, and it is believed that owning a cat can bring good luck. In the article, the author describes how she once found herself in the middle of the night, chasing a kitten around her house with a can of tuna. "Cats are curious by nature and many love exploring new situations and scenarios, some of which clearly are not good for them," Kelsey said. Theyre always living in their own little world and theyre always chasing their dreams. If you have observed a cat falling, you may have seen that they open its paws apart, forming a sort of parachute. The first known reference to the nine lives myth was in a book by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. complete answer on animals.howstuffworks.com, View Ageing in cats begins rapidly, but slows down as they get older. The myth is attributed to the natural suppleness, and swiftness cats exhibit to escape life-threatening situations. Cats have acute senses and know they should not jump from a balcony if it is too high. We may never know the exact origin of the myth. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. In other cases, cats are viewed as powerful and wise creatures that can help protect their owners from harm. And what is the meaning behind that famous saying? It helps that he has beautiful green eyes and the softest fur, too. "They haven't lost their instincts to huntwhich means they can survive without human help. The origins of the nine lives belief are unknown, but there are a number of theories about how it started. This is a question that I get asked a lot, and to be honest, Im not entirely sure what the answer is. This position is relatively rare and is often seen in cats who are very relaxed and comfortable in their environment. And it was a cat who became one of the first media-driven animal celebrities. As with most oral storytelling, there is no evidence of when or where this famous English quotation was first documented. 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. Tybalt: "What wouldst thou have with me? If a cat "comes back to life" multiple times, the number nine makes sense when looked at from a mystical point of view. CAN THE BELIEF IN CATS HAVING 9 SOULS CHANGE THE WAY WE SEE THEM? In Britain, a hatred for pets is unheard of, any bitterness towards animals is considered completely unacceptable. She vividly remembers watching a black cat, with daunting green eyes, jumping into a mans mouth and suffocating him. What You Need to Know. However, while they are indeed quite resilient, it is not true that they can survive any fall or injury. This is likely due to their ability to escape dangerous situations unharmed. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Yet as a nation, we compare cats unfairly to dogs. 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. So, despite the odds, I got a kitten. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. Of all the cat myths and misconceptions out there, one of the most persistent is that cats have lives to spare. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. So it is obviously not a possibility. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATSContinue. Ancient Origins of a Cat's Nine Lives The proverb that started it all states: "A cat has nine lives. No, cats do not have nine lives in Islam. 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. Keeping dogs for hunting, protecting livestock and guarding crops is allowed. The number nine has also been associatedwith luck in various cultures. This led to the belief that cats must have some sort of magical power or ability that allows them to cheat death. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Gemini (May 21 June 20): The Gemini cat is the true social butterfly. One theory is that the belief originated from Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. She is just like any of my 17-year-old friends parents she is spirited, sparky, generous and can be feisty when she needs to be. 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 meant that it was oftenused to represent completeness or perfection. So, every time a cat dies, it is reborn with a new life. And with that comes the same onus to protect them from harm and take proper care of them. Have you ever encountered this behavior from your cat? So much so, that one of Prophet Muhammads companions was known as Abu Hurairah (Father of the Kittens) for his attachment to cats. One is that it can give people a deeper appreciation and love for cats. The number nine holds significance in numerology, especially due to its composition of three groups of three, like the structure of the English proverb. Sometimes, for whatever reason, cats take a liking to human foods. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. Therefore, it is believed that cats have nine lives because they are considered to be lucky animals. In some European folklore, there are stories of witches or supernatural beings who could transform into cats and have multiple lives. 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. Youll also need a drill, saw, and other basic tools. Capricorn (December 22 January 19): The Capricorn cat is the true traditionalist. For these reasons, I was never allowed near a dog and the idea of owning one never seriously crossed my mind. 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. Dogs have yet to make this reputation. 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.. Not just lovely, but cats is also beneficial. Even before wild cats became domesticated, ancient cultures believed in the cat spirit animal. For example, you may notice when yourcat is purringor rubbing against your leg, and you may appreciate their presence more. Even our beloved Prophet (SAW) had a cat on his own, named Muezza, proving cats to be a special animal in Islam. 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. No surprise that so many young people are, like me, behind this trend. Well the phrase cats have nine lives is an ancient one and can be traced to those times when magic was popular. Join. Even going way back to the 1st century when they were thrown from towers, cats have had a habit of cheating death. Cats Always Land On Their Feet. So, there you have it. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Nonetheless, cats can still be injured or killed by a high fall. What does the Bible say about aging with grace? After all, we are considered a zoophilist nation. 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. When a saying gets to be over 400 years old, it's usually very difficult to track its exact origin. They will leave home if treated badly. As he began to dress he discovered that Muezza was sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. Theyre also very passionate and they can be quite stubborn. While certain areas around the world believe that cats have multiple lives, the number nine is not universal. They were believed to have been created by thegoddess Bastetand were thought to be able to ward off evil spirits. This belief likely comes from cats surviving fallsfrom great heights and other seemingly impossible situations. The details are murky surrounding the origin of the nine lives myth. This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than you'd imagine. Theyre also fiercely independent and they like to do things their own way. Christ died on the ninth hour of the day. The short answer is no, but there's something so beguiling about a cat's demeanor that makes it seem almost possible that they could have extra lives. For three he play s, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". They love to be around their family and theyre very loyal to their loved ones. Scientists call this righting reflex. Across the U.S. there are almost 60 million pet cats, with around one in four households having a feline companion. Over the centuries, the belief that cats have nine lives has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is now a widely accepted part of popular culture. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why they're allowed to enter homes and even mosques.. 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. 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. Thats right, just like you and me, your cat has a zodiac sign that says a lot about their personality. In fact, the number of lives a cat has varies depending on the culture. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. Libra (September 23 October 22): The Libra cat is the true diplomat. [7], Many Muslims believe that Muezza (or Muizza; Arabic: ) was Muhammad's favorite cat. 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. Cats who sleep in this position are often very social and enjoy being around people. At first she was fearful and dubious around him, but gradually she got to know him. In Islam, cats are revered and respected. They Have Extremely Good Agility. Earlier this year, researchers announced the discovery of what they believe to be the world's oldest pet cemetery, with nearly 600 cats and dogs at one single Ancient Egyptian site. In some cases, cats are considered lucky animals that bring good fortune to their owners. So, do cats really have seven lives? 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. Some cats may only have seven lives, while others may have nine or more. CATS HAVE A SECRET AGENDAContinue, Are you curious about the cat crying outside my house superstition? According to legend, they do but where did this idea come from? If you love your cat but not the destruction they wreak on your furniture, you may be considering a DIY cat scratching post. You may think your cat has 9 lives. Cats can sense bad energy and alert you when there is something wrong. 7+ REVEALING SIGNSContinue, Can a cat be evil? As a result, you may take fewer things for granted and be more present in your life. We are about to find out. There are a few theories as to why people believe that cats have nine lives. It's an age-old question that has been argued for centuries. (I can relate! For example, they believed it took nine days to fall from heaven to Earth. This position is often seen in younger cats who are full of energy. Spooky, isnt it? 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 many countries such as Germany, Spain and Turkey, the Common Belief is that cats actually have 7 lives. ), temperature, interoreceptors (e.g. I sometimes think she loves him more than me. [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. The ancient Egyptians believed these animals were sacred and divine beings with supernatural powers. She says that he is like a playful, charming teenager who doesnt answer back. Hi, Im Amanda. 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). Cats should be provided with enough food, water and given roaming time. With cats being some of the luckiest animals in terms of evading danger, assigning the species seven lives seems appropriate. But because animals aren't consuming a lot of carbohydrates, their mouths aren't inundated with this specific bacterium. This isn't due to magical powers: It's their biological make-up. 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. Theres no way to know for sure, but its certainly an interesting theory. InGreek Mythology, the number 9 was oftenassociated with the goddesses of love and destiny, such as Aphrodite and Athena. It is most likely a misunderstanding. She spams everyone with WhatsApp photos of Milo and texts me every couple of hours about how her favourite child is doing. Morris the Cat strolled onto TV and into Americans' lives in 1969 as the finicky spokes-cat for 9Lives cat food [source: Elliott ]. Cats cant die and come back right after. Cats are creatures of habit and their favorite sleeping position often reflects their unique personality. One of the superstitions is about cats crying outside the house at night. What do you call someone with no siblings? It is highly amusing when I remind my mother how she used to feel about cats: Qais with his mother Shabnam and Milo. She'll get exercise and you won't get a ruined staircase. I'll take one, and, depending on how you treat me after that, I might beat the other eight out of you too. That's because they were born via eggs or some other mode to incubate the baby other than a placenta. Ancient Egyptian Gods Horus and Atum. 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? 1. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATS. The odd time that a relative did allow a cat anywhere near her, she would become hysterical. No one knows for sure. Its even permissible to eat from the same bowl that a cat has eaten from. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Some cats can tell you when something terrible is, Read More CAN CATS SENSE BAD ENERGY? "And finally, they don't take abuse. It felt like a sacrifice for her, but she knew how much I wanted one. 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. They clean themselves, keep their fur relatively knot-free, and they don't need to be potty trained. 3. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. In complete contrast, I am an ailurophile. For example, the numbernine is often considered the final number in a set of ten. Aside from those theories, the number 9 itself is considered lucky or special in many religions and belief systems around the world in Christianity (a "trinity of trinities"), in . 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. Stock photo of a cat. If youre a cat person, you know that each feline friend has their own unique personality. 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. No matter how spectacular their leaping skills are, keep in mind that cats are not indestructible and don't always land on their feet. 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". In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. 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. What personality disorder does the Grinch have? I don't care who dies in a movie as long as the dog lives? Studies show the average cat may only live to be 14 years old, which is the equivalent of age 70 in human years. Because of this, the myth predates the late 1500s and possibly has ancient origins. The result, then, is fewer cavities. Theyre also very proud and they can be quite stubborn. If they do, theres a punishment whoever owns the dog loses good deeds each day, although there are exceptions to this rule. The sun god Atum-Ra was said to take the form of a cat so he could visit the underworld. They are curious and like to explore their surroundings. Mimicry is when a dog mimics the behavior of another. Or maybe because it comes from the Welsh, where nine steps was used to measure legal distances. 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. All fields are required. She's a professional member of the Cat Writers' Association (CWA) and has written for industry-leading companies and organizations, including What to Expect When You're Expecting and NIU STEM Read. 2023 DorkyCats - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Terms Of Service | Privacy Policy | Disclaimers | Contact | About, HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CAT SEES A GHOST? Theyre also very independent and they like to do things their own way. Falling #cat saved at #MiamiHurricanes football game at #HardRockStadium #9lives #catsoftiktok @Miami Hurricanes. Cats communicate subtly and quietly. One possibility is thatcats have better reflexesthan other animals, which helps them escape dangerous situations. Its possible that this belief in the mystical power of cats contributed to the idea that they had multiple lives. In others, they are considered to be sacred creatures. Reptiles, marsupials, and fish, in contrast, do not have belly buttons. And why do people believe it? complete answer on halalguidance.com, View Here is the truth about cats. 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. 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. Lets look at the science behind cats legendary nine lives and find out if theres any truth to it! Then, thread the sisal rope through the hole, tying a knot at the top. ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Another belief about cats is that they have spiritual powers and can bring good luck. Cats can twist their bodies mid-air and land on their feet, thanks to their flexible spine and inner ear. Every day, my mother spends hours gawking at him, besotted. 5. But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. Therefore, it makes sense that they would have seven lives. As a result, cats with nine lives are often seen as bringing good fortune. The belief that cats have nine lives is simply a myth or superstition passed down through generations. The nine lives myth can be believed by people in Islam, like in other cultures. But, its definitely something to think about. Theres no right or wrong answer to this question, but its something to think about. It suffered a chipped tooth and a collapsed lung and was sent home from the vet after two days. And as they expanded across the world, so too did the myth of multiple lives. An old English proverb of unknown origin directly references the idea of cats having nine lives. Regardless of how different cultures view cats, it is clear that these animals hold a special place in our hearts. 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. Throughout history, cats have been said to have nine lives. And when wild cats began to live more closely with human beings around . She is just like any of my 17-year-old friends parents she is spirited, sparky, generous and can be feisty when she needs to be. Growing up I was always aware of this hostility. Dispelling the Myth of Nine Lives For one, cats are not described as having nine lives in all cultures. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Theyre always doing their own thing and theyre never afraid to be different. All placental mammals like cats, which are mammals with placenta, technically have belly buttons. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have nine lives. The latter is due to them not having a tight collarbone. Some believe that cats have nine lives, while others believe they have seven. Egyptians believed that cats were reincarnated six times, which may have led to the belief that they have six lives. If a cat makes it to 21, that would be like 100 years old in human terms. FRIGHTENING? Your email address will not be published. They were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was often depicted with the head of a cat.
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