Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? The Truth Behind the Myth Explained

We’ve all heard the myth that cats have nine lives - as if it’s some kind of supernatural trait that enables cats to escape death eight times. Let’s get one thing straight: cats do not literally have nine lives, but there is a reason that myth exists.

Cats are incredibly agile, have excellent survival skills and are extremely resilient. They can survive falls, fights and more - it seems as though they cheat death. In this guide, we will cover the origins of the myth, the actual facts, and the real risks to a cat’s life.

Is it true that cats have nine lives? Read on and find out.

Is It True That Cats Have Nine Lives?

In a word: no. Cat’s having nine lives is a myth, not a biological fact. Like all other lifeforms in the world, cats have one life. The belief that cats have nine lives comes from their frequent ability to survive from falls and accidents that look like they would kill any other animal.

So just where did this idea come from?

Where Did the ‘Nine Lives’ Myth Come From?

The “nine lives” myth didn’t materialise out of thin air. Yes, it refers to cats’ impressive ability to survive, but why specifically nine lives? Let’s dig a little deeper into the history and mythology.

Historical and Cultural Origins

The myth about the nine lives of cats dates back hundreds of years - it can be traced at least to medieval Europe. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, written around 1595-1597, the bard references it when Mercutio demands of Tybalt:

“Good king of cats, nothing but one of your nine lives”

Its origins cannot be specifically identified, but it is something that has been passed down through oral folklore and superstition, and it has remained to this day.

Why the Number Nine?

The number 9 is considered magical or complete. In Ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred animals, linked to gods and protection myths. This kind of supernatural association could explain why cats and the number 9 became associated this way.

Interestingly, the myth actually varies by region. In the UK and the US, for example, it is said that cats have 9 lives. In parts of Europe and the Middle East, the magic number is actually 7.

This variation demonstrates how oral folklore can vary as it spreads, so the number isn’t necessarily set in stone.

Why Cats Seem Like They Have Nine Lives

Cats have some specific abilities that they have evolved to be particularly good at both hunting and surviving. The core explanation behind the myth probably originates from their impressive abilities to survive situations that might kill most other animals, including humans.

Let’s look at some of them.

The Righting Reflex (Built-In Survival Mechanism)

This is a unique ability that cats have which develops at 3-4 weeks old. It becomes fully functional when they reach the age of 6-7 weeks. It is a reflex that allows cats to use their extraordinary flexibility to twist mid-air and land on their feet when falling.

The instinct to do this is supported by a highly advanced inner ear balance system. You have probably heard the saying that cats always land on their feet - this is pretty accurate, and the righting reflex is the reason.

Flexible Bodies and Unique Anatomy

There are various aspects of a cat’s anatomy that make them particularly agile and able to escape from situations that might mean death for another animal:

• Spine: A cat’s spine is extremely flexible, allowing for rapid twisting motions that help prevent injury.

• Clavicle: A cat’s clavicle is free-floating inside its body instead of being anchored to the skeleton. This allows cats to squeeze through tight spaces.

• Muscles: Cats are very light and have extremely strong hind legs that can absorb impacts.

Cats Can Survive Falls Better Than Expected

Cats instinctively spread their bodies out when falling, creating a “parachute effect” that slows their descent. This means they have a much lower terminal velocity than expected from their size.

Because they need to get their bodies into this position, falls from mid-height can actually be more dangerous for cats. When they fall from greater heights, they have more time to move into the correct position and relax their bodies to slow their descent.

Speed, Reflexes, and Balance

As well-adapted hunters, cats possess several innate abilities and instincts that are also helpful for escaping danger and surviving challenging situations. For a start, their senses are extremely sharp - their vision and hearing can help them detect threats and act accordingly.

Here are a couple of other innate abilities that help cats:

• Fast reaction times: When something unexpected happens, cats react very quickly to protect themselves.

• Excellent coordination: When they need to evade danger or react to a threat, their excellent coordination ensures cats usually take the right action.

Can Cats Really Survive Anything? (The Reality)

Cats are extremely resilient animals, there is no doubt about that. But they are not indestructible. There are various common threats to their safety that cause many cats in the UK to die each year, such as:

• Road traffic accidents (a major cause of injury/death in cats)

• Falls from windows and balconies

• Poisoning from plants, chemicals and human food

• Illness and disease

“High-rise syndrome” is something to be particularly careful of if you have a pet cat and live in a tall building. Cats are good at surviving falls from height, but there is no guarantee they won’t be injured.

Common injuries when cats fall from high-rise buildings include broken limbs, jaw damage and chest trauma. All of these can be major threats to a cat’s life. Ultimately, a cat’s survival is not guaranteed in any situation.

How Many Lives Do Cats Actually Have?

Like all other living things, cats only have one life. Different breeds have different life expectancy, but the average lifespan of a domestic cat is usually between 12 and 18 years. The reality is that indoor cats typically live longer as there are fewer threats to their safety.

There are various environmental factors that affect a cat’s lifespan during its one life:

• Diet and nutrition

• Veterinary care

• Lifestyle (indoor/outdoor)

• Genetics and breed

How long cats live can vary greatly - there have been cases of cats living into their late thirties! But one thing is clear: cats only have one life.

Why the Myth Still Exists Today

The myth about cats having nine lives is a persistent one, though it is usually understood to be merely a joke. Nevertheless, it is still high in the consciousness of cat owners, and there are several reasons for this:

• Psychological reasons: People tend to remember survival stories more than fatalities, emphasising the remarkable survival skills of cats.

• Cat behaviour: Cats are very curious and adventurous. They frequently take big risks and walk away safe, feeding the myth further.

• Media and storytelling: The idea is frequently reinforced in films, cartoons and books, keeping the saying alive.

The myth persists ultimately because it is rooted in observable facts that help keep the saying in our minds.

How to Keep Your Cat Safe (Because They Only Have One Life)

It is important to be practical about ensuring a safe environment and lifestyle for your cat. This way, you can ensure it has a long, healthy and happy life filled with enrichment and enjoyment.

The first consideration is to be vigilant about your cat’s general care. Make sure you take it for regular vet check-ups, keep vaccinations up-to-date and feed it a healthy diet. Monitor the cat’s behaviour and respond to any unexplained changes to ensure nothing gets missed.

The next consideration revolves around the differences between indoor and outdoor safety measures:

• Indoor: Ensure all windows and balconies are secured. Avoid bringing any toxic plants for cats into your home and keep all harmful chemicals and substances out of reach.

• Outdoor: Microchipping is important - it is actually a legal requirement in the UK. It is also best to avoid high-traffic areas and consider supervised outdoor time rather than unlimited roaming.

Be mindful of these considerations and you should be able to protect your cat’s one life.

Final Thoughts

Once more for the people in the back: cats do not have nine lives. The myth that they do dates back hundreds - maybe thousands - of years, and it comes from the fact that cats have incredible survival abilities.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility as the owner to keep your cat safe. One way you can do this is by using Litter Sense cat litter. It changes colour when your cat’s urine contains something that shouldn’t be there, giving you an early warning that something is wrong.

Cats may be agile and resilient, but they only get one life - just like the rest of us.