Popular Feline Myths: Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives?

With their agile reflexes, at times mysterious behaviour (like staring into space), and ability to escape danger, cats can give the impression that they’re magical, immortal creatures. Hence, the common saying that cats have nine lives. But have you ever wondered where this myth originates? Below, Cat in a Flat explains the origins of these nine lives, why felines have a reputation for resiliency, and other interesting cat-related myths! 

Does my cat really have nine lives?

Does your cat really have nine lives? It’s never easy to say goodbye to a pet, so you probably do wish that Mr Whiskers could have multiple more lives to live with you. However, like any other living creature in the world, felines have just one life. The idea that cats have nine lives is a myth that is common in many cultures. And the fact that this saying exists even today points to the resilience of our beloved kitties. They did, after all, manage to travel the world by sea and eventually domesticate themselves. Our furry friends are truly remarkable animals! 

Where did the myth that cats have multiple lives come from?

Various cultures have contributed to the ‘nine lives’ myth, so it’s not clear where exactly it originated from. However, ancient Egypt may have played the largest role in the creation of the myth. Felines were considering sacred animals in ancient Egypt with links to gods and pharaohs. At the time, Egyptians viewed tiny house tigers as divine creatures with protective powers. It’s believed that this contributed to the myth that cats have nine lives. 

Turkish and Arabic folklore offer their own perspective on Mr Whiskers’ multiple lives. Some Arabic legends claim the gods gifted felines with multiple lives because of their incredible, almost supernatural, capabilities. Our furry friends’ ability to land safely from high places, escape through small enclosures, and seemingly cheat death have all contributed to the idea of them having more than one life. 

Do cats have seven lives or nine lives? 

Do cats have seven lives or nine lives? While the concept of cats having multiple lives is universal, the number can vary between cultures and regions. In some parts of the world cats have nine lives, while in others it’s seven. 

Seven lives: Some cultures believe that kitties have seven lives. This is common in some parts of Europe (such as Germany) and in certain Spanish-speaking regions. Some cultures even associate the number seven with good luck; hence why they assign the same number of lives to cats! 

Nine lives: The myth that cats have nine lives is most common in English-speaking countries and some Asian cultures. There’s even an old English proverb that says: ‘A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays and for the last three he stays.’ And in Japanese culture, certain types of felines—like the calico cat—are considered particularly long-living and auspicious! 

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Are cats really resilient? 

Are cats really that resilient? Yes, felines do have a higher chance of survival than other types of pets. One of the reasons for this is that cats weren’t fully domesticated in the way other animals, like dogs, were. In fact, they pretty much domesticated themselves! If your kitty has ever brought you a bird or mouse ‘gift’ you probably know that their hunting impulses are alive and strong. So don’t be fooled if Mr Whiskers spends most their time napping in a sunny spot on your sofa. Their wilder instincts are still there, ready to be accessed if they need them.

So, while your kitty does rely on you for food, shelter, and care, they’d be more able to go back to the ways of their wild ancestors in order to survive. Not only that, but most cats are very agile and fast. They can jump high, have amazing reflexes, and excellent sight and hearing. This allows them to perform incredible feats such as orient themselves in mid-air during a fall in order to land on their feet. 

Of course, this doesn’t apply to every cat. For example, many breeders label the munchkin cat an unethical breed for this very reason. They’re bred to have physical attributes that not only impact their health, but severely stunt their ability to survive without human intervention. And even if your kitty does seem self-sufficient and independent, this doesn’t mean you can leave them alone to care for themselves. Always hire a trustworthy cat sitter to look after your fur friend—even if you’re only going away for a few days. A pet sitter can keep your kitty happy and healthy by maintaining their diet, keeping their litter trays tidy, and spending time playing with them. 

What are other common cat myths?

There’s no shortage of interesting myths and tales about our feline friends. Here are a few other common cat myths:

Black cats: In some European folklore, black cats are considered bad luck if they cross your path. This was a particularly prevalent view in the Middle Ages, when the black cat became affiliated with evil and misfortune. 

Witches and cats: Many people in the medieval age believed witches used cats as companions. Being at one with nature was an important cornerstone of witchcraft, hence the belief that felines were the ideal witch’s accomplice.

Maneki-neko: Cats are an important part of Japanese culture. So much so that they are said to bring good luck and prosperity! You probably would easily recognise the maneki-neko or ‘beckoning cat’. These waving feline figures are a common staple in shops and restaurants as bringers of good fortune. 

Cats in Norse mythology: The fertility goddess Freyja was said to have loved cats. She even had two giant skogkatts—what we know today as the Norwegian Forest Cat—pull her chariot!

Icelandic Christmas cat: In Iceland, feline myths take a more sinister turn with Jólakötturinn, or the Yule Cat. According to legend, this huge cat lurks in the countryside during the Christmas season and eats people who do not receive new clothes before Christmas.

These exciting myths and legends certainly show how differently felines are portrayed all around the world! 

Our furry friends may not have nine (or even seven) lives, but they certainly seem to live multiple lives in one! Cats have captured people’s imaginations for centuries and there’s still so much we don’t know about them. Want to unpack more mysteries about your kitty? On our blog we answer your top 7 questions about cat behaviour and tell you what your feline might be thinking.