Cats have captivated humans for millennia, sharing our lives for around 8,000 years. Over this extensive period, numerous myths and legends have blossomed around these enigmatic creatures. One of the most enduring and widespread is the notion that cats possess nine lives. But where did this intriguing myth of feline immortality originate? And what’s the reason behind the specific number of nine lives attributed to our feline companions?
Tracing the Roots of the Nine Lives Legend
Cats are renowned for their agility, intelligence, and independent nature, traits that have likely contributed to their mythical status. Their remarkable ability to survive falls from significant heights, incidents that would be fatal to humans, is a key factor fueling the belief in their multiple lives. A striking example of this resilience is documented in New York City, where a cat miraculously survived a plunge from a staggering 32 stories with only minor injuries. This apparent defiance of death, this uncanny knack for survival against all odds, stems from the extraordinary anatomy of a cat:
- Evolutionary Advantage: Cats’ evolutionary history is deeply intertwined with arboreal life. Many wild cat species still inhabit trees, and millions of years of leaping and falling from heights have honed their bodies to withstand such impacts.
- The Phenomenal Righting Reflex: Cats possess an incredible “righting reflex,” an innate ability that allows them to orient themselves mid-air during a fall. This reflex enables them to twist their bodies and land gracefully on all four paws.
- Favorable Body Surface Area to Weight Ratio: Compared to their weight, cats have a relatively large body surface area. This characteristic helps to distribute the force of impact upon landing, minimizing potential injury.
- Exceptional Skeletal Flexibility: The bones and ligaments of cats exhibit remarkable flexibility. This suppleness acts as a natural shock absorber, allowing them to withstand high-impact landings with minimal trauma.
The precise origin of the saying “a cat has nine lives” remains shrouded in mystery, but its presence in language and culture spans centuries. Even William Shakespeare alluded to this myth in Romeo and Juliet:
‘Tybalt: What wouldst thou have with me?
Mercutio: Good king of cats, nothing but one of your nine lives.’
An old English proverb further cements the myth, stating: “A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays and for the last three he stays.” While lighthearted in tone, this proverb possibly contributed to the enduring belief in the nine lives of cats.
Nine Lives? Or Maybe Seven, or Six? Cultural Variations
Interestingly, the myth of cats having multiple lives is not confined to a single culture; it’s a global phenomenon. However, the exact number of lives varies across different regions and traditions. In some parts of Spain, for example, the belief is that cats possess seven lives instead of nine. Meanwhile, Turkish and Arabic folklore sometimes attributes six lives to these feline creatures.
The number nine itself has long held symbolic significance, often associated with magic and mysticism. In ancient Greece, nine was considered a sacred number, representing the “trinity of trinities” and holding supernatural connotations deeply rooted in tradition and religion. Throughout history, cats have been subjects of both veneration and fear, often perceived as possessing magical or supernatural qualities. This historical context likely contributed to the association of cats with the mystical number nine.
Can Cats Really Cheat Death? Feline Survival Stories
Cats undeniably possess lightning-fast reflexes, exceptional decision-making skills, and remarkable agility. They are masters of evasion, adept at disappearing at the first hint of danger, and can navigate precarious heights with an apparent nonchalance that would intimidate most humans.
There are numerous anecdotal accounts that seem to suggest cats can indeed “cheat death.” One remarkable instance involves a cat named Jack who escaped his travel carrier at John F. Kennedy International Airport in the US and vanished. Incredibly, two months later, Jack reappeared, falling through the airport ceiling, understandably weak and frightened but alive. In another extraordinary tale of feline resilience, a cat named Jessie went missing after relocating across Australia with her owner. A year later, Jessie miraculously reappeared at her old home, a staggering 1,865 miles away. Jessie’s owner, knowing her cat’s aversion to car travel, speculated that Jessie must have trekked across the vast Australian landscape, even traversing a barren desert, to return to her familiar territory.
These incredible abilities may sometimes appear extraordinary, even bordering on the supernatural. However, it’s crucial to remember that the idea of cats having nine lives is purely a myth, just like the superstitions surrounding black cats being lucky or unlucky. Despite their remarkable resilience, cats are not invincible. They require the same level of care, attention, and protection as any other beloved pet. Responsible pet ownership is paramount to ensure their health, safety, and longevity, regardless of any mythical lives they may or may not possess.
