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We have all probably heard that cats have nine lives.
Is it fact or fiction???🤔🤔
Explanation
The belief that a cat has “nine lives” is deeply rooted in folklore and has fascinated people for centuries. This expression suggests that cats possess high resilience and can survive against the odds. This trait has led to the widespread belief in having multiple lives.
Origin
The origin of the “nine lives” myth for cats is unclear., with various cultures contributing to its development. Ancient Egypt, famous for worshipping cats, plays a big part in this story. Cats were considered sacred animals in ancient Egypt, linked to the sun god and the protection of the pharaoh.
The ancient Egyptians believed cats had protective powers and were divine creatures, a belief that could have laid the groundwork for the myth of multiple lives. This reverence for cats, viewing them as guardians and symbols of divine completeness, likely contributed to the mythical attribution of extra lives.
In some Spanish-speaking regions and cultures, cats are said to have seven lives, which also carries mystical significance and is often associated with luck and the divine. William Shakespeare refers to the nine lives myth in his play Romeo and Juliet.
There is also an ancient proverb that claims, “A cat has nine lives. For three, he plays; for three, he strays, and for the last three, he stays.”
The preference for the number nine in English-speaking countries and the number seven in Spanish-speaking areas highlights how cultural perceptions can shape and redefine myths over time.
The saying that cats have nine lives is a myth. Cats, like all other animals, have only one life. This myth might continue because cats often seem to avoid death and accidents, appearing unharmed.
This is because cats have what is called an air-righting reflex. This means that while they are in the air, they can twist and maneuver their body around, helping them land safely on their feet.
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