No, cats don’t really have 9 lives. Like us, they only get one. The saying comes from how often cats seem to escape danger, especially falls, and from an old English proverb about the stages of a cat’s life.
It’s no surprise that this myth has lasted so long. Cats have enchanted human hearts throughout history, whether they’re curling up on our laps or finding new ways to knock objects off shelves. So where did the idea come from, and why nine?
What does it mean when people say cats have 9 lives?
When people say a cat has nine lives, they mean that cats seem unusually lucky and often survive dangerous situations. You might hear it after a cat walks away from a fall, or comes home after going missing for days. It’s a figure of speech, not a fact about cats.
Where does the saying “cats have 9 lives” come from?
No one knows exactly where it began, and it was probably passed down by word of mouth long before anyone wrote it down. There are, however, a few clues.
The English proverb
The source most people point to is an old English proverb:
“A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.”
The exact origin of this proverb is a puzzle, but it seems to describe a cat’s personality as it ages, rather than a cat coming back to life.
Shakespeare
By the 1590s, the idea was well known enough for William Shakespeare to use it in “Romeo and Juliet,” where Tybalt is called the “king of cats” and Mercutio tells him he wants “nothing but one of your nine lives.” Shakespeare expected his audience to get the joke, so the saying was clearly already familiar.
Ancient cultures
You’ll also see the saying linked to ancient Egypt, where cats were highly regarded. According to one story, the sun god Atum-Ra took the form of a cat and gave birth to eight other gods, making nine in total. It’s a lovely story, but no one can prove that this is where the saying comes from.
Why nine lives?
The honest answer is that no one knows, but there are several theories:
- A special number: Three was considered a powerful number in many traditions, and nine is three groups of three. The Greeks also considered the number important.
- Egyptian mythology: The nine gods in the Atum-Ra story could have played a part.
- Chinese tradition: In China, nine is associated with long life.
- Celtic folklore: The myth of the Cat Sith tells of a witch who could turn into a cat nine times.
Do cats have 9 lives or 7?
It depends on where you are! Cats have nine lives in English-speaking countries, but the number changes around the world:
- Seven lives: Parts of the Spanish-speaking world, Italy, Greece, Brazil and Germany.
- Six lives: Many Arabic-speaking areas.
Of course, the real number is the same everywhere: one.
How do cats survive so many falls?
Falls are probably the main reason this myth has lasted. Cats are known for their remarkable agility, independence and intelligence, and they have some truly impressive physical abilities too.
- The righting reflex: A falling cat can twist its body in the air to land on their feet. They don’t always manage it, though.
- A flexible body: Cats can orient themselves from almost any position.
- Fast reflexes and sharp senses: Their quick reactions, excellent night vision and keen hearing help them sense and escape danger.
There’s research behind these stories too. In a well-known 1987 study from New York, vets looked at 132 cats that had fallen from buildings, from an average height of 5.5 stories. Studies of cats that fell 2 to 32 stories and reached a vet alive report that about 90% of those treated survived.
Can a cat die from a fall?
Yes. Those survival rates only include cats that made it to a vet alive, so they don’t tell the whole story. Falls can cause broken jaws, teeth and legs, lung injuries, permanent disability and death. In the 1987 study, about one-third of the cats would have died without emergency care.
So don’t let the myth give you a false sense of security. To keep your cat safe:
- Use secure screens on windows and balcony doors, and check them often for loose spots.
- Don’t leave unscreened windows open, especially on the second floor or above.
- Supervise your cat on balconies, or use netting.
- Keep furniture away from balcony railings.
Frequently asked questions
How many lives does a cat have?
Just one. Nine lives is only a saying, although it’s seven or six in some parts of the world.
Why do they say cats have 9 lives?
Because cats often seem to survive falls and other close calls. An old English proverb and Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” helped keep the saying alive.
Is it true that cats always land on their feet?
No. Cats have an excellent righting reflex, but they don’t always land on their feet, and they can still be badly hurt.
So while our feline friends may not have nine lives, they can certainly fill the one they have with plenty of mischief. If you’re curious about their other funny habits, find out why cats like to sit on you and why cats meow back at you.
Sources
- Boston College Libraries: The origins of the “cats have 9 lives” myth
- Writing Explained: A cat has nine lives
- Catster: What is high-rise syndrome? (vet reviewed)
- Wikipedia: High-rise syndrome
