Cats have a reputation for being fearless daredevils. Leaping from high places, squeezing into impossible gaps, and always seeming to land on their feet. It’s no wonder the age-old question pops up: Do cats really have 9 lives? While it’s a fun idea that’s part of folklore, the truth is your cat only has one precious life, which makes keeping them safe (with a little help from things like pet insurance) all the more important. 

 

The Myth of Nine Lives: Where Did It Come From? 

The idea that cats cheat death has been around for centuries. This myth was born from history, symbolism, and the cat’s uncanny ability to survive situations that would leave other animals in trouble. 

The phrase “a cat has nine lives” is a way of saying cats seem to survive the impossible. Across cultures, the number nine has often been linked with magic, luck, and eternity. So, when people saw cats bouncing back from dangerous scrapes, the myth wrote itself. 

Physically, cats are agile and flexible, with bodies built for climbing and leaping. Symbolically, their mysterious, independent nature made them seem otherworldly to ancient civilisations. The perfect myth-making recipe. 

Do Cats Have Nine Lives, or Seven, or Six? 

Interestingly, not every region agrees on the number. In English-speaking countries, it’s nine. In Spain, some say seven. In parts of the Middle East, it’s six. No matter the number, the idea is the same: cats are seen as tough survivors. 

Cat Mythology and Folklore Through the Ages 

In Ancient Egypt, cats were sacred, linked to the goddess Bastet and seen as protectors. In Norse mythology, Freyja’s chariot was pulled by cats, making them symbols of fertility and magic. Celtic tales also often feature cats as guardians of the Otherworld. Clearly, cat mythology and folklore have always painted them as mystical. 

Black cats, especially, are surrounded by mystery. In Medieval Europe, they were tied to witchcraft and feared as omens. But in other cultures, they’re lucky charms, like in Japanese folklore, where they’re believed to bring good fortune. These cat myths and superstitions still shape how people see them today, especially around Halloween. 

 

RELATED: 7 REASONS TO LOVE BLACK CATS 

 

Cat Myths and Superstitions That Persist Today 

Luck, Witches, and the Mystery of Cats 

Even in the modern world, cats still carry a mystical aura. Some people believe a cat crossing your path is unlucky, while others see it as a blessing. Witches and cats remain linked in pop culture, showing how myths never quite fade away. 

The Truth Behind the Agility: Why Cats Seem to Survive Everything 

So, why do cats seem like they have extra lives? The science behind their survival skills is fascinating: 

  • Righting reflex: Cats can twist their bodies mid-air to land on their feet. 
  • Flexibility: Their spines bend like springs, helping absorb impact. 
  • Balance: Their inner ears give them incredible coordination. 
  • Survival instincts: Cats are cautious explorers who often know how to get out of sticky situations. 

These abilities may look magical, but they’re really just nature’s design. 

 

Celebrate Your Cat's One Precious Life  

At the end of the day, your cat only has one life, and it’s up to you to make it the best it can be. From cozy naps to adventurous playtime, every moment counts.  

While you may find yourself asking, “Do cats have nine lives because they seem invincible?” Accidents and illnesses can happen, which is where a safety net like cat insurance can help them land on their feet.  

If you’d like to make sure your feline friend’s one life is always protected, visit dotsure.co.za to get a quote or contact us today!