From ancient Egyptian mythology to modern folklore, the belief that cats have nine lives seems to be everywhere. But, let’s set the record straight – cats don’t actually have nine lives. What they do have are remarkable survival skills, from their uncanny ability to land on their feet to their impressive reflexes and flexibility.
Yet this myth, isn’t just about their physical capabilities, it represents the fascination and admiration humans have held for cats throughout history. So, where did this saying come from, and what makes cats seem almost supernatural? Let’s explore the origins, symbolism, and science behind their legendary resilience.
Origins of the myth that cats have nine lives
The idea that cats have nine lives stems from ancient history, cultural beliefs, and their near-supernatural resilience. Beyond their natural agility, cats have long been associated with mystical themes, and the number nine holds deep symbolic meaning in various cultures.
Ancient Egypt and the Ennead connection
In ancient Egypt, cats weren’t just pets; they were revered as sacred protectors. Egyptians worshipped cats, believing they could ward off evil spirits as well as pests like mice. The feline goddess Bastet, known for fertility and protection, embodied the admiration people had for cats.
The myth of cats having nine lives, however, is linked to Atum-Ra, the Egyptian sun god. According to mythology, Atum-Ra created himself from chaos and gave birth to eight other gods, forming the Ennead, a group symbolising completion. Since cats were revered as guardians with extraordinary survival skills, some believe the idea that cats have nine lives evolved as a reflection of the Ennead’s divine completeness. Over time, storytelling amplified this mythical connection, strengthening cats’ link to resilience and immortality.
The symbolism of the number nine
The number nine has held spiritual significance in many cultures for centuries. In numerology, it represents wholeness, eternity, and renewal – qualities that align with the remarkable survival instincts of cats.
- In Chinese culture, the word for nine sounds like the word for long-lasting a symbol of longevity.
- In Norse mythology, nine is associated with wisdom and endurance. Odin, a revered Norse god, sacrificed himself for knowledge by hanging on the World Tree, for nine days.
- In Hinduism, the number nine is sacred, representing spiritual purity and renewal, as seen in the festival Navaratri which celebrates divine feminine energy over nine nights.
Across cultures, nine represents an unbreakable cycle – just like cats, who seem to survive against the odds time and time again.
The nine lives myth in stories and pop culture
The belief that cats have nine lives isn’t just a fun saying – it’s a myth that has lived on through stories and traditions and has become deeply ingrained in cultures around the world.
In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio jokes about Tybalt losing one of his nine lives, proving that even in the 16th century, this idea was central to telling engaging stories.
Throughout history, cats have been seen as mystical creatures or symbols of curiosity. In Turkish and Arabic legends, they’re portrayed as sacred beings, gifted with multiple lives. In places like Spain or Germany, people refer to cats as having seven lives instead of nine. Regardless of the exact number, cats have always been seen as incredible survivors.
Today, pop culture continues to keep this myth alive. In Shrek 2, Puss in Boots dramatically pretends to lose one of his eight remaining lives to evade danger. Video games, cartoons, and movies frequently portray cats as fearless, clever creatures who somehow always bounce back from seemingly impossible situations.
So why does the myth that cats have nine lives persist? It’s simple, because storytelling helps us make sense of things we can’t always explain. Instead of diving into the science behind how cats always land on their feet, saying they have nine lines is far more captivating.
Cats’ incredible survival skills – explained by science
While cats don’t actually have nine lives, their incredible physical abilities often make it seem like they do. From landing on their feet no matter the fall and surviving extreme heights, these feline athletes have some impressive survival tricks up their sleeves.
To understand how cats survive high falls, you need to understand a concept in physics known as terminal velocity – the maximum speed an object reaches when falling freely through the air. For humans, terminal velocity is 120 mph (193 km/h), but for cats, it’s only 60 mph (96.5 km/h). Why so much slower? It comes down to their smaller size and lighter weight, along with the way they position their bodies during a fall.
When cats fall, they instinctively rely on their “righting reflex”, which acts like a built-in navigation system. This reflex allows them to adjust mid-air, positioning their bodies so their feet point downward before landing. Think of it like a gymnast performing a mid-air spin – but cats do it instinctively. Their flexible spine and lack of a rigid collarbone allow them to rotate their bodies quickly, ensuring they land feet-first.
Once they’ve righted themselves, cats spread their legs, creating drag – similar to a parachute effect. This slows their descent and gives them extra time to prepare for impact. Their padded paws and springy leg muscles act as shock absorbers, reducing damage when they hit the ground.
Can cats survive extreme falls?
Stories of cats surviving incredible falls continue to fuel the nine lives myth.A 1987 study on high rise syndrome in cats published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reviewed 132 cases of cats falling from buildings averaging 5.5 stories high. Amazingly, over 90% of them survived, and 37% didn’t even require emergency treatment.
However, survival doesn’t mean walking away unscathed. Many cats suffered injuries, including fractured jaws, broken limbs, and collapsed lungs. Interestingly, cats falling from higher heights (7 stories or more) often fare better than those falling from lower levels (2 to 5 stories). Why? Because the extra time in the air allows them to fully stabilise before impact. Still, survival depends on landing surfaces, health, and age – a young, fit cat falling onto grass has a much better chance than an older or overweight cat hitting concrete.
So, while their survival instincts are remarkable, cats are far from indestructible. Their resilience, and the truth behind the nine lives myth is a mix of science and instinct, not magic.
Final thoughts
Cats may not literally have nine lives, but their ability to defy gravity, escape danger, and captivate our imagination makes them truly remarkable. From ancient mythology to modern science, they’ve remained symbols of resilience, mystery, and survival.
Their agility and instincts are remarkable, but even the most nimble feline isn’t invincible. While the nine lives legend endures, the reality is that each life is precious – so making their safety and wellbeing a responsibility is worth prioritising.
Have you ever witnessed a cat’s incredible survival skills firsthand? Share your stories and experiences in the comments.
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