Cats are known for their remarkable agility and ability to handle extreme situations. This ability inspired the saying "the cat has nine lives", a myth perpetuated across generations and cultures, as far back as 10,000 years ago, in Ancient Egypt.
In reality, the cat has only one life, just like humans and animals do. The expression "The cat has nine lives" is an idiomatic phrase used to illustrate the remarkable ability of cats to survive. The myth is based on the observations of people in various cultures who noted the survival skills and behavior of cats.
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How was this myth that the cat has nine lives born?
Apparently, this myth arose from the fusion of what the cat symbolized in Egyptian culture, and the ability to survive in very diverse environments where other animals would not be able to cope.
The origin and spread of the myth
In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and associated with the goddess Bastet, protector of the home and symbol of fertility and protection. Cats have also been ascribed an aura of mystery and the supernatural. The cat was believed to possess supernatural abilities, including the ability to live multiple lives.
How did you get to nine lives? In another version, the sun god (Atum Ra), in the form of a cat, is believed to have visited the world and given birth to eight other gods. This myth may be the basis of the saying "the cat has nine lives", suggesting that Atum Ra and the eight gods total nine lives.
The Egyptians' obsession with cats helped spread these felines along trade routes to Europe and beyond. As cats spread, so did the myths surrounding them. In China, for example, cats are said to have nine lives. In contrast, in Italy, Germany, Greece, Brazil and some Spanish-speaking countries, cats are believed to have seven lives. In Turkish and Arabic traditions, the number of lives is six.
In English tradition, the saying that cats have nine lives has been mentioned for centuries, underscoring the durability of this myth of Egyptian origin in Anglo-Saxon culture.
The scientific explanations of this legend
Beyond the myth, cats are amazing animals that have endured unchanged over the millennia and have adapted to all continents. There are quite a few reasons why the expression "a cat has nine lives" is widespread.
1. Adaptability
Cats are able to adapt and do well in a wide variety of environments, from domestic homes to busy city streets and wild forests. They can find comfort, food and shelter in conditions that would be extremely difficult for other animals.
2. Survival skills
The fact that cats always land on their feet is not a metaphor or a myth, but a reality. Cats can fall from considerable heights and land on their feet thanks to the aerial righting reflex. This allows them to survive falls from heights that could be fatal to other animals.
The cat's anatomy is a real arsenal of attack and defense. Cats have an extremely flexible body and strong muscles that allow them to move quickly and avoid danger with ease. Cats also have an amazing reaction speed, higher than snakes. For example, the reaction speed of a domestic cat is about 20-70 milliseconds, while venomous snakes such as vipers have a reaction speed of about 50-90 milliseconds. This difference allows cats to quickly respond to threats and avoid imminent dangers that could be fatal.
Read also: 30 interesting facts about cats.
3. The healing abilities of cats
The cat is also said to have nine lives due to its healing abilities, even when not receiving care from veterinarians. Cats have a much more robust immune system than other animals, which helps them recover quickly from various illnesses or if they are injured.
The purring sound of cats does not always indicate their well-being. The torso helps heal tissues and bones. Torso vibrations are associated with frequencies that can stimulate regeneration and relieve pain. When the cat purrs, their brain releases endorphins, which are hormones of happiness. Endorphins have analgesic and anxiolytic effects, helping to reduce stress and pain.
In conclusion, the expression "a cat has nine lives" is a metaphor that emphasizes the ability of cats to survive and recover from dangerous situations due to their agility, flexibility, healing abilities and adaptability. Also, this concept is rooted in myths and cultures, where cats were considered mysterious and magical animals.
The English also have the proverb "A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays". In other words, after years of hunting and life-threatening adventures, cats can enjoy a long life resting in the sun.
