. What You Need to Know. One day, much to my astonishment, I came back from a stressful day at college to see Milo sitting peacefully on her lap while she watched TV. 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. The answer is still unclear. 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 who sleep in this position are usually very independent and self-sufficient. So it is obviously not a possibility. 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. Even the most affectionate and characterful cat may make a poor first impression. Sometimes, it has been seenas a symbol of completion or perfection. For example, thinking cats have 9 lives can help you appreciate the moments you live in more. Admired for their cleanliness, cats are considered "the quintessential pet" by Muslims. They say Curiosity kill cats, but it turns out its actually a lot harder than That. 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. 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. Growing up I was always aware of this hostility. Finally, some people believe thatcats can see ghostsand other spirits. Even Though Small, Cats Are Likely To Take Out A Much Bigger And Scarier Animal. Another theory is that cats are able to regenerate their cells at a faster rate than other animals. So, where did the idea that cats have nine lives come from? Are those adorable pets actually evil? What do dog groomers use to make dogs smell so good? They are confident and like to be in control. Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Do cats have nine lives? Your email address will not be published. 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. Cats Always Land On Their Feet. I mean, Ive never actually been reincarnated so I cant say for sure. One New York cat is known to have survived a fall of 32 stories. I have trained dogs ranging from standard poodles to golden retrievers to border collies and now the passion of my life is working with aggressive dogs with behavioral issues in order to help them be more confident, calm and easygoing dogs who are well-behaved in their own homes. 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. Whether or not they have nine lives is still a mystery. Pet cats were mummified and buried. Instead, these glands are located on their paw pads and their noses, which means sweat isn't a major contribution to a dog's bad smell. While the idea of cats having nine lives may seem like an old wives tale, there is actually some science to back it up. Heres a guide on how to make your own cat scratching post, complete with all the nitty gritty details. This led to the belief that cats must have some sort of magical power or ability that allows them to cheat 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). Use the groups and forums to connect and share with friends. However, there is no specific mention of cats having multiple lives in Islamic scripture. Invest in a cat tree or condo as an outlet for their leaping and climbing skills. 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. They are also extremely quick at being able to react when danger presents itself.". There are a few theories as to why people believe that cats have nine lives. They like their own space and can be a bit aloof. ats are perfect to most people, but not to my 42-year-old mother. Most dogs are symmetrical, meaning they have an even number of nipples on both sides. This information should not be substituted for a professional veterinary consultation. 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. However, the best way to ensure your cats longevity is by providing them with a safe environment and regular checkups from your veterinarian. Cats can pull off the most incredible stunts ever to make you wonder if they have extra senses or special powers. Egyptians believed that cats were reincarnated six times, which may have led to the belief that they have six lives. Atum-Ra was . But, its definitely something to think about. [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. It has been suggested that the idea of cats having nine lives has its roots in Ancient Egypt. If he has an extra sense, or if he pretends to be silly, illogic, and cute while he is a sort of genius? However, this is not actually true. She vividly remembers watching a black cat, with daunting green eyes, jumping into a mans mouth and suffocating him. 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. This might change how we interact with them because we may be more careful around them. We couldnt help laughing at her overreaction and yet her fear of cats was genuine. Theyre always living in their own little world and theyre always chasing their dreams. As a result, cats with nine lives are often seen as bringing good fortune. For example, you may notice when yourcat is purringor rubbing against your leg, and you may appreciate their presence more. What does the Bible say about aging with grace? "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. In other cases, cats are viewed as powerful and wise creatures that can help protect their owners from harm. Cats can sense bad energy and alert you when there is something wrong. complete answer on halalguidance.com, View Finally, it is sometimes seen as aprecursor of change or transformation. It is essential to take good care of your cat, keep them safe from harm, and provide them with proper nutrition and medical care to ensure they live a healthy and happy life. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATS. Despite being a myth, why do they say cats have nine lives? Meanwhile, some Turkish and Arabic legends say cats have six lives. Theyre also very intelligent and theyre always up for a challenge. Cats have long been considered to be lucky animals, and in many cultures, they are thought to have seven 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. She'll get exercise and you won't get a ruined staircase. Cats have nine lives, according to popular belief. In Hinduism, nine is considered a complete and divine number. Cats are not immortal, just like us, they have only one life. In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. Lets dig into it and see if we can figure it out. Though fleas can strike all year round, you are most likely to. Unlike dogs, cats can live an independent life in parallel with their owner. All fields are required. We like to think they would always be there for us since they have nine lives, So, while we may not know exactly how many lives cats have, it is clear that they are tougher than most animals and have a better chance of surviving even the most dangerous situations. Contrary to popular belief, cats only have one life. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic . Theyre always the first to try new things and theyre always up for a challenge. 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. That being said, cats do experience a certain degree of protection from danger due to their agility and reflexes, so they may have a bit of an edge when it comes to avoiding harm. As weve deduced, there isnt a magical number of lives that cats havethey can die just like any other animal. WHY, ADVICE AND REMEDIES. So when I saw this article on the Huffington Post, I just had to share it. However, unlike humans, cats have more vertebrae. Some say that cats have nine lives because they are able to land on their feet when they fall from a great height. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. This position is often seen in younger cats who are full of energy. If youre a cat lover, I think youll enjoy this article. The Egyptian god Atum (also called Atum-Ra) was thought to take the feline form when visiting the underworld. What do you call someone with no siblings? We may never know the exact origin of the myth. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why theyre allowed to enter homes and even mosques. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. However, while they are indeed quite resilient, it is not true that they can survive any fall or injury. 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). Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. She comes back from shopping weighed down with presents and toys for him. Its no wonder that cats have earned the reputation of having nine lives! Well, shes not wrong. This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. Despite their work as mousers, cats retained their air of mystique. 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. Although not meant in super seriousness, the proverb tells that: "A cat has nine lives. In Arabic culture, cats have seven lives, and in some Spanish-speaking nations, the poor kitties only have six lives. Or would they think that a cats life is more like a game, where they can use up one of their lives and then start over again? By now, most of you know that I am a bit of a cat lady. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. Theres no way to know for sure, but its certainly an interesting theory. If you don't have one of those breeds, but your dog still acts like a cat, it might be because of a feline-canine cohabitation or even friendship. As with most oral storytelling, there is no evidence of when or where this famous English quotation was first documented. Sagittarius (November 22 December 21): The Sagittarius cat is the true adventurer. The answer may surprise you. "Cats have nine lives" is a saying that has been around for hundreds of years at least. It is highly amusing when I remind my mother how she used to feel about cats: Qais with his mother Shabnam and Milo. The nine lives myth can be believed by people in Islam, like in other cultures. [8][9] There is no mention of any such cat or the associated story in the hadith or supplementary works[10] and there are similar stories attributed to someone else from 6th century Arabia which may explain the origin of the story.[11]. Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. Your email address will not be published. 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. She has many furry friends and loves to talk about them and share curiosities, tips, and funny stories. CAT CRYING OUTSIDE MY HOUSE SUPERSTITION AND 5 MORE! If a cat "comes back to life" multiple times, the number nine makes sense when looked at from a mystical point of view. 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. Why do cats use litter boxes and dogs don't? The number nine has also been associatedwith luck in various cultures. 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? Your email address will not be published. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATSContinue. 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. And when wild cats began to live more closely with human beings around . 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. [1], One of Muhammad's companions was known as Abu Hurairah (literally: "Father of the Kitten") for his attachment to cats. In some cases, cats have even been known to survive falling from great heights. 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. Different cultures have different views on cats and their supposed nine lives. 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. In many cultures, cats are seen as lucky animals, and it is believed that owning a cat can bring good luck. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Have you ever wondered if cats really have nine lives? Theosophy believes that cats are endowed with something special that makes them so agile that they can cheat death in most dangerous situations. At first she was fearful and dubious around him, but gradually she got to know him. Every day, my mother spends hours gawking at him, besotted. Do cats really have 9 lives? Cats can do this because they have an unusually flexiblebackboneand no functionalclavicle(collarbone). Few have made progress; many have, Read More CAN CATS SMELL CANCER? How many people are killed by cats each year. They are required to be granted freedom of movement. 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. I love their intelligence, inquisitiveness and how unassailable they seem. In addition, domestic dogs tend to live shorter lives than wolves. This isn't due to magical powers: It's their biological make-up. In humans and animals, the main cavity-causing culprit is a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans. [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. There is no definitive answer to this question as it is largely dependent on the individual cat. Read more here. [1], The American poet and travel author Bayard Taylor (18251878) was astonished when he discovered a Syrian hospital where cats roamed freely. Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life. 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.. I have four cats of my own, and I frequently foster kittens for a local animal shelter. They Have Extremely Good Agility. Capricorn (December 22 January 19): The Capricorn cat is the true traditionalist. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". Of all the cat myths and misconceptions out there, one of the most persistent is that cats have lives to spare. Cats who sleep in this position are often very social and enjoy being around people. 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. According to a myth in many cultures, cats have multiple lives. Yes indeed! Even our beloved Prophet (SAW) had a cat on his own, named Muezza, proving cats to be a special animal in Islam. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Is It Scientifically Proven That Cats Have Nine Lives? I don't care who dies in a movie as long as the dog lives? This age-old enigma has perplexed us for generations, yet the answer is much more intriguing than you'd imagine. Like many teenagers in lockdown, sweating through hours of home learning while struggling to remain positive, I really wanted a cat. For example, in some Native American cultures, the number nine is considered a lucky number. This myth dates back to ancient Egypt, the ancient Egyptians loved and worshiped their cats as if they were gods. We all love our cats. 5. Your pet can and will try to get them, so best to keep them out of sight or at a low profile. Now shes the proud owner of Milo and has researched more about the prevalence of cats in Islam, she says: Cats are a blessing from God, who provide their owners with nothing but happiness and positivity.. The same is true in some Asian cultures. This position is relatively rare and is often seen in cats who are very relaxed and comfortable in their environment. 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. 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. So much so, that one of Prophet Muhammads companions was known as Abu Hurairah (Father of the Kittens) for his attachment to cats. In addition, 9 was seen as asymbol of immortality, as it was the highest number that could be represented in the Greek numerical system. 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 do not make it easy for us to figure them out. Vittoria is a full-time blogger with a passion for cats and pets in general. This is even true at night due to their ability to see adequately in the dark. In China, the number nine is considered to be lucky. Horus is seen on the right and Atum to the left of Horus. [4] According to legend, Abu Saeed's cat saved Muhammad from a snake. Learn how to create four different DIY cat beds that will provide your furry friend with a cozy space of her own & won't break your bank! Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? "Well I only have 7 left and I'm not flexible I'm a fat tub of lard now shut the fuck up so i can get back to my nap" - my cat 2020. In truth, cats have exactly nine lives in some specific cultures. Cats check if you are breathing, especially at night, because they have not seen you moving for several hours. However, the truth is that we dont really know how many lives cats have. The belief that cats have multiple lives dates back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as gods. 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. Required fields are marked *. William Shakespeare uses the idiom in Romeo and Juliet which was written around 1595 (6). It felt like a sacrifice for her, but she knew how much I wanted one. In some European folklore, there are stories of witches or supernatural beings who could transform into cats and have multiple lives. According to legend, they do but where did this idea come from? And as they expanded across the world, so too did the myth of multiple lives. In addition, cats earned the reputation of having nine lives because of their fast reflexes and ability to survive almost anything. In 1732, Thomas Fuller wrote a book called Gnomologia: Adagies And . They have a strong survival instinct and are able to recover from injuries that would be fatal to other animals. After all, we are considered a zoophilist nation. Mothers being mothers, she also spoke to lots of different Muslims about their cats, and eventually, her fears melted away. For example, dogs have belly buttons as well. CatsCaress.Com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Do they leap on your closet doors, cabinets or fridge? Based on this culture, cats are supposed to be treated well and fed appropriately. Why don't dogs and cats have belly buttons? Dedicated cat lovers are so proud of the relationship they have with their cats, they embrace the term "crazy cat owners" with open arms. But we are going to follow the ancient Egyptians and say our cats have 9. Regardless of how different cultures view cats, it is clear that these animals hold a special place in our hearts. And just like our own personalities, these traits can be linked to astrology. Theres no right or wrong answer to this question, but its something to think about. Islam also has that tradition, albeit in a much modified form. The number nine has held various significances in different cultures throughout history. Is it true, or is it just fiction? Dispelling the Myth of Nine Lives For one, cats are not described as having nine lives in all cultures. In China, the number nine is considered to be lucky. For three he play s, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.". So, do cats have nine lives? complete answer on besidestillwater.net. One is that it can give people a deeper appreciation and love for cats. "Cats are curious by nature and many love exploring new situations and scenarios, some of which clearly are not good for them," Kelsey said. 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. 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. In complete contrast, I am an ailurophile. Alderton-Sell explained that as cats mature, from age 7-10, they start to slow down a bit and put on weight. In China, nine is associated with the dragon, which is a symbol of power. 3. Do cats have 9 lives in Islam? 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. 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. Along with, Cats are said to have seven lives in Spain and other Spanish speaking nations. Well the phrase cats have nine lives is an ancient one and can be traced to those times when magic was popular. Their impressive jumping skills are due to the muscle mass and the length of their hind legs. 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. blood pressure, bladder stretch). 6. r/Showerthoughts. This belief likely comes from cats surviving fallsfrom great heights and other seemingly impossible situations. Do cats really have 9 lives? Nine has traditionally been considered a magic number, which could also help to explain why cats are associated with nine lives. For cats, the theory surrounding the nine lives origin rose in popularity thanks to an old English Proverb. InGreek Mythology, the number 9 was oftenassociated with the goddesses of love and destiny, such as Aphrodite and Athena. 10 REMARKABLE THINGS ABOUT CATS. Some people believe that dogs have one life, while others believe that they have multiple lives. The answer to this question has been a mystery for centuries. Cats also have an extra flexible spine that allows them to move their bodies fast and in the most unique positions. However, cats are known to be remarkably resilient creatures, and they do have some amazing survival stories. The fact that there is no universal consensus regarding . Because of this, the myth predates the late 1500s and possibly has ancient origins. It crops up in a stitch in time saves nine.". This is because seven is a magical number related to good luck. In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? When a saying gets to be over 400 years old, it's usually very difficult to track its exact origin. Some people believe the nine lives myth is related to cats' ability to always land on their feet. Also lending credence to this myth is that falling cats often land on their feet, using an instinctiverighting reflexto twist their bodies around. Cats started living alongside humans in the Near East during the Neolithic period, around 10,000 years ago. The Prophet himself was a great cat-lover Muezza was the name of his favourite cat. According to authentic narrations, one may make ablution for prayer with the same water that a cat has drunk from. So, every time a cat dies, it is reborn with a new life. In Islam, cats are considered to be clean animals and are thus generally well-respected. But where did this idea come from? Cancer (June 21 July 22): The Cancer cat is a true homebody. In certain regions of Spain it is believed that cats have seven lives, for example. Another explanation is thatcats have a high pain threshold, meaning they can endure injuries that would be deadly to other animals. Dogs Have Strong Natural Body Odors Just as cats don't have sweat glands all over their bodies, neither do dogs. It can range from 6 to 10 on average, she explains. ", 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. The idea of nine lives may also have come from Shakespeare or traditional sayings. Truth told, I would have liked a dog, but Islam forbids Muslims to keep them. Cats have almost a supernatural ability to move from a low, crouching position to a high, long leap in a matter of seconds. Theyre also very proud and they can be quite stubborn. 2023 DorkyCats - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Terms Of Service | Privacy Policy | Disclaimers | Contact | About, HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CAT SEES A GHOST? Now she does everything for him: cleans out his litter tray, feeds him and plays with him. But why was it associated with cats and not any other animal or pet? They are confident and secure in their surroundings. She created Dorkycats.com to help cat owners learn more about their furry feline friends! In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and considered to be sacred animals. Are you wondering if your furball is an under-covered sensitive? 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. 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.". He then smiled and gently stroked his beloved cat three times, giving all cats the ability to land squarely on their feet. 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 are just fascinating creatures, and theres always room for interpretation when it comes to their lives.