Youve made your very own DIY cat scratching post. Based on popular beliefs, cats are believed to have nine lives, or even 7. 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 . Domestication sped up in Ancient Egypt. Do cats have nine lives, or do they really have seven? There is a way of saying that cats have nine lives in many cultures. So I tried my best to convince her. In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. 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. While certain areas around the world believe that cats have multiple lives, the number nine is not universal. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have nine lives. [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. So, do I believe that humans have nine lives? Then, thread the sisal rope through the hole, tying a knot at the top. Though fleas can strike all year round, you are most likely to. In Islam, cats are revered and respected. For example, in Arabic-speaking parts of the world, cats are believed to have six lives. DragonHunter256 3 yr. ago. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". No, cats do not have nine lives in Islam. 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. And finally, some cultures believe cats have nine lives because they can heal quickly from injuries. They love to be around people and theyre always the life of the party. Theyre very loyal to their family and they believe in sticking to tradition. 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. This might change how we interact with them because we may be afraid they will see ghosts or spirits around us and tell them what we are doing. It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. Why does my dog act like a cat but I don't have a cat? Stories about cats surviving huge falls are commonplace. While the origin of this myth may remain a mystery, science has revealed that cats are incredibly resilient creatures capable of escaping danger and surviving situations where other animals might not. This is a question that has been debated by cat lovers for centuries. 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? As humans farmed and stored food, they attracted common prey for cats, such as mice and rats. While cats are skilled at survival, they are not invincible and can be injured or killed like any other animal. In some cultures, cats have seven lives instead of 9. 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 . Your cat's back legs are so strong that they easily can leap six times their height! She'll get exercise and you won't get a ruined staircase. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? We may also be more cautious in treating them for fear of injuring them and taking away one of their nine lives. I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. The belief that cats have multiple lives dates back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. Some regions around Spain believe that cats only have seven lives, while in other Arabic and Turkish legends, cats have six lives. An old English proverb. Can cats smell cancer? 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. Their impressive jumping skills are due to the muscle mass and the length of their hind legs. Invest in a cat tree or condo as an outlet for their leaping and climbing skills. Do Muslims smoke? And when wild cats began to live more closely with human beings around . All placental mammals like cats, which are mammals with placenta, technically have belly buttons. [1] Furthermore, there is a belief among some Muslims that cats seek out people who are praying. But if the cats are ordinary cats and are not causing a nuisance, perhaps it is better to leave them alone to reproduce. However, there is no specific mention of cats having multiple lives in Islamic scripture. She comes back from shopping weighed down with presents and toys for him. One belief about cats is that they have nine lives. Or believe they could see, smell, and predict things we cant? They have a strong survival instinct and are able to recover from injuries that would be fatal to other animals. No matter how spectacular their leaping skills are, keep in mind that cats are not indestructible and don't always land on their feet. Cats are capable of doing things that allow them to avoid danger and survive when other animals might not be so fortunate. Nonetheless, cats can still be injured or killed by a high fall. In the end, there was only one approach that I knew could work. However, do cats have abilities that make them survive many times after coming close to death? Hurry up, or I'll smack you on the ears with my sword before you have yours drawn. How many of you have given your cats superpowers? 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. 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. [1] Furthermore, there is a belief among some Muslims that cats seek out people who are praying.[6]. Your email address will not be published. They clean themselves, keep their fur relatively knot-free, and they don't need to be potty trained. 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. The domestic cat is a revered animal in Islam. 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." In China, the number nine is considered to be lucky. Unlike dogs, cats have been revered for centuries in Muslim culture. This led to the belief that cats must have some sort of magical power or ability that allows them to cheat death. According to a myth in many cultures, cats have multiple lives. She spams everyone with WhatsApp photos of Milo and texts me every couple of hours about how her favourite child is doing. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. They are thought to be ritually clean, and are thus allowed to enter homes[1] and even mosques, including Masjid al-Haram. 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. Others believe that the seven lives refers to the fact that cats have seven different stages in their lives, from kittenhood to old age. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. So they have evolved to be escape artists. Well, shes not wrong. Plus, they get up to so much mischief we want the nine lives saying to be true!". 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. Truth told, I would have liked a dog, but Islam forbids Muslims to keep them. What do dog groomers use to make dogs smell so good? There are feral cats all over the world. And as they expanded across the world, so too did the myth of multiple lives. 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. In Japan, cats are also seen as lucky creatures. Now its time to add the carpet or fabric. 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. Throughout history, cats have been said to have nine lives. Another benefit is that it can help people be more mindful of their 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. But its best to be on the safe side with thebest cat insurance plans. Mothers being mothers, she also spoke to lots of different Muslims about their cats, and eventually, her fears melted away. Cancer (June 21 July 22): The Cancer cat is a true homebody. Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. Gemini (May 21 June 20): The Gemini cat is the true social butterfly. Stock photo of a cat. In 1732, Thomas Fuller wrote a book called Gnomologia: Adagies And . They like their own space and can be a bit aloof. Theyre also very affectionate and they love to cuddle. Cats are also known for their dexterity and agility. Even a pet cat, if it gets lost from its home, has quite a good chance of managing to find food and shelter on the streets at least for a little while. Dogs can be hit and abused by cruel owners and will come back for more. Therefore, a cats death was considered unfortunate, and elaborate funerals were often held in their honor. According to scientists, cats actually have an infinite number of lives. Whatever the reason, it is clear that cats are special creatures with an ability to survive against the odds. However, they are not necessarily associated with the number nine. I used my religion to convince her. Why do cats use litter boxes and dogs don't? The institution, in which domestic felines were sheltered and nourished, was funded by a waqf, along with caretakers' wages, veterinary care and cat food. Once youve wrapped the post to your desired height, cut off any excess rope and staple the end down. Dedicated cat lovers are so proud of the relationship they have with their cats, they embrace the term "crazy cat owners" with open arms. Since ancient times, people have observed cats surviving the most incredible falls and getting through incredible life-threatening situations. Sometimes, it has been seenas a symbol of completion or perfection. InGreek Mythology, the number 9 was oftenassociated with the goddesses of love and destiny, such as Aphrodite and Athena. After all, we are considered a zoophilist nation. 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. When they reach old age, they need more rest and tend to live at a slower pace of life. Atum-Ra was . All these quality are what makes cats truly unique. Cats have long been considered to be lucky animals, and in many cultures, they are thought to have seven lives. In other cases, cats are viewed as powerful and wise creatures that can help protect their owners from harm. 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. This is likely due in part to the health problems that can arise from inbreeding. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. All this fascination with cats goes way back about 12,000 years ago. Why do cats have litter boxes and dogs don't? The tail seems to help, but cats without a tail also have this ability, since a cat mostly turns by moving its legs and twisting its spine in a certain sequence. One is that it can give people a deeper appreciation and love for cats. These stories may have also contributed to the belief that cats had nine lives. At first she was fearful and dubious around him, but gradually she got to know him. And it was a cat who became one of the first media-driven animal celebrities. Do they leap on your closet doors, cabinets or fridge? Start by stapling the fabric to the top of the post, wrapping it around the post and stapling it to the bottom. 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! This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. Theyre always doing their own thing and theyre never afraid to be different. While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats have six lives, there are some interesting theories about why this belief exists. If a cat "comes back to life" multiple times, the number nine makes sense when looked at from a mystical point of view. 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. Its even permissible to eat from the same bowl that a cat has eaten from. Tybalt: "What wouldst thou have with me? Heres a guide on how to make your own cat scratching post, complete with all the nitty gritty details. There is no one answer to this question, as it is still up for debate among scientists. There are a few benefits to believing that cats have 9 souls. So if youre ever feeling down, just remember that your cat may have seven more lives to live, and theres always time for a fresh start. "Cats have nine lives" is a saying that has been around for hundreds of years at least. Learn how getting rid of cat odors in carpets and fabrics is key to getting your house to smell fresh and clean. The ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet was depicted as half cat and half woman. This is even true at night due to their ability to see adequately in the dark. The idea of nine lives may also have come from Shakespeare or traditional sayings. This is a balance reflex that allows them to orientate themselves as they fall in order to land on their feet. 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. Another theory is that the number nine has been considered a lucky number in some cultures, and cats have been associated with good luck and mystical powers. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Whether or not they have nine lives is still a mystery. She cooks arguably the best chicken parmesan in the world, and also has impeccable taste in Bollywood music. Reptiles, marsupials, and fish, in contrast, do not have belly buttons. He then smiled and gently stroked his beloved cat three times, giving all cats the ability to land squarely on their feet. Along with, Cats are said to have seven lives in Spain and other Spanish speaking nations. FRIGHTENING? As a result, you may take fewer things for granted and be more present in your life. 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. [6] Cats do not make it easy for us to figure them out. Another theory is that the belief originated with the medieval belief in witches and their ability to transform themselves into cats. There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that cats have nine lives. We all love our cats. complete answer on wendyvandepoll.medium.com, View 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. Learn how to build an easy, homemade DIY cat scratching post using items around your house! Why do they say cats have nine lives? Ancient Egyptian Gods Horus and Atum. Regardless of its origins, the belief that cats have nine lives is widespread. [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. However, the best way to ensure your cats longevity is by providing them with a safe environment and regular checkups from your veterinarian. They just have 8 totems of undying. However, the truth is that we dont really know how many lives cats have. The origin of this saying is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories. However, while they are indeed quite resilient, it is not true that they can survive any fall or injury. Egyptians believed that cats were reincarnated six times, which may have led to the belief that they have six lives. In others, they are considered to be sacred creatures. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. What's the best age to learn an instrument? Do Cats Have 9 Lives In Islam? So, what does your cats zodiac sign say about their personality? As he began to dress he discovered that Muezza was sleeping on the sleeve of his prayer robe. Some cats have personalities that stand out from, Read More CAN A CAT BE EVIL? In Arabic culture, cats have seven lives, and in some Spanish-speaking nations, the poor kitties only have six lives. Dogs have yet to make this reputation. Therefore, it makes sense that they would have seven lives. This information should not be substituted for a professional veterinary consultation. Cats can do this because they have an unusually flexiblebackboneand no functionalclavicle(collarbone). Cats are known for their agility and flexibility, which allows them to land on their feet even when falling from great heights. 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". 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). Cookie Consent Tool. So, the next time you see a cat, remember that it may be one of the nine lives! Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Moral status of animals in the ancient world, "Did Nabi (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) have a cat named Muezza? [1], One of Muhammad's companions was known as Abu Hurairah (literally: "Father of the Kitten") for his attachment to cats. This belief likely comes from cats surviving fallsfrom great heights and other seemingly impossible situations. ), temperature, interoreceptors (e.g. Im not sure. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? Cats Belong To A Very Special Family They Have The Power Of Lions, Tigers, And Cheetahs In Their Soul. Sagittarius (November 22 December 21): The Sagittarius cat is the true adventurer. 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. Cats started living alongside humans in the Near East during the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago. They were believed to have been created by thegoddess Bastetand were thought to be able to ward off evil spirits. So, do cats actually have nine lives? It felt like a sacrifice for her, but she knew how much I wanted one. But, from what Ive heard and read, it seems like a possibility. If youre a cat lover, I think youll enjoy this article. For example, dogs have belly buttons as well. Due to how cherished and loved cats are in Islam, the mistreatment of this animal is considered a serious sin. Your email address will not be published. Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock. Cats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. 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. It is highly amusing when I remind my mother of how she used to feel about cats. So, despite the odds, I got a kitten. 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. 6. r/Showerthoughts. Cats have nine lives, according to popular belief. In many countries, they are believed to have nine lives, but in Italy, Germany, Greece, Brazil, and some Spanish-speaking regions, they are said to have seven lives, while in Turkish and Arabic traditions, the number of lives is six. "Cats are curious by nature and many love exploring new situations and scenarios, some of which clearly are not good for them," Kelsey said. Do cats really have 9 lives? This is because seven is a magical number related to good luck. In some European folklore, there are stories of witches or supernatural beings who could transform into cats and have multiple lives. 119. Your email address will not be published. Most dogs are symmetrical, meaning they have an even number of nipples on both sides. However, cats are known to be remarkably resilient creatures, and they do have some amazing survival stories. Cats have acute senses and know they should not jump from a balcony if it is too high. Horus is seen on the right and Atum to the left of Horus. complete answer on animals.howstuffworks.com, View Ageing in cats begins rapidly, but slows down as they get older. Theyre also very passionate and they can be quite stubborn. Another theory is that the six lives myth is based on the fact that cats are relatively resilient animals. They Have Extremely Good Agility. 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.