Why do we say that cats have 7 lives?Pets12pets

 Why do we say that cats have 7 lives?

It is common to hear people say that cats have seven lives, mostly as a joke and usually when one of them does something silly or unexpected. However, this phrase has a much deeper meaning than what first meets the eye. It is believed to have originated from Ancient Egypt, and is a reminder that cats have a mysterious and curious nature, while also being incredibly resilient and able to survive tough and potentially life-threatening situations. Interestingly, cats have been associated with the number seven for many centuries, and the concept of them having seven lives can be found in many cultures around the world. In this blog post, we will discuss this phenomenon in more detail, looking at the origins of this phrase, as well as examining more closely why cats are held in such high regard. We will also explore the symbolism behind the number seven, and what it means when it comes to cats.

1. Ancient Mythology

Ancient mythology is often responsible for why we believe cats have seven lives. One of the most popular myths is from Ancient Egypt, where the goddess Bastet was depicted with the body of a woman and the head of a lion. Bastet was believed to be the guardian of the home and was associated with fertility and motherhood. As such, cats were held in high regard and were believed to have seven lives due to their connection to the goddess. This belief has been passed down through generations, leading to the idea that cats have seven lives.

2. Cat's Fast Reflexes

Cats are known for their incredible agility and fast reflexes. This ability to quickly react to stimuli is part of why cats have been said to have seven lives - as they can narrowly escape danger much more quickly than other animals. Their reflexes allow them to jump from high places without injury, or to catch prey in a fraction of a second. Another example of their lightning-fast reflexes is when they react to a sudden loud noise with their ears standing up and eyes wide open. This impressive ability to react in a split second gives cats a great chance at survival.

3. Cat's Nine Lives Prayer

The belief that cats have nine lives is an old myth that persists to this day. It has been traced back to ancient Egypt, where cats were believed to be the embodiment of the goddess Bastet. In some cultures, it is even said that the gods gave cats nine lives in honor of their divine status. The myth is still alive today, with cat owners saying a prayer called “Cat’s Nine Lives Prayer” to wish their beloved pets a long and healthy life. In addition to the nine lives myth, cats are also believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. These beliefs are so strong that some people even put a cat figurine in their home or wear charms shaped like cats to bring luck and protection.

4. Cat's Resiliency

Cats have a remarkable ability to bounce back from seemingly impossible situations. This resiliency is one of the reasons why cats are said to have seven lives. They are often able to survive falls, fights and other accidents that would be fatal to other animals. Even when cats suffer a life-threatening injury, they have been known to recover and live on. This resilience is yet another quality that adds to the mystique of cats and contributes to the legend of cats having seven lives.

5. Cats' Adaptive Ability to Survive Dangerous Situations

It is often said that cats have seven lives because of their incredible adaptive ability to survive dangerous situations. Cats are able to land on their feet when they fall from a great height, as they have an innate reflex to twist their body in mid-air and right itself in order to fall feet-first. Cats are also incredibly agile, and are able to fit through tight spaces. This allows them to escape danger more easily. Cats are also efficient hunters, which gives them an edge in terms of finding food and avoiding predators. Overall, cats' ability to survive and adapt to their environment has earned them the reputation of having seven lives.

In conclusion, the question of why we say that cats have seven lives is still a mystery. It may have been a superstition that was passed down from generations, or it could be due to the fact that cats have an uncanny ability to survive dangerous and life-threatening situations. Whatever the origin of the saying, cats are beloved by many and will remain a part of our lives, even with only one life.