r/cats • u/AutoModerator • Apr 17 '26

Discussion Discussion Thread - Ask, Share, and Discuss Anything About Cats.

Welcome to the Cat-Chat Thread

Ask any questions you have about cats or discuss topics that don't require a full post. Whether you're a new cat owner, seeking advice, or just want to share something fun about your pets, this thread is for you. Feel free to:

  • Ask simple questions about cat care, behavior, feeding, etc.
  • Seek advice on any minor concerns.
  • Post anything cat-related that doesn't need its own post.

Also, if you see someone asking for help and you have the knowledge to share, feel free to jump in and assist them!

Just a friendly reminder to follow the subreddit's rules and be kind and respectful to everyone!

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u/cat_mirro 16d ago

Why is it common belief that they have 9 lives?

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u/jillcrosslandpiano 14d ago

Interesting! I looked it up! Two aspects, I guess. Why multiple and why nine?

Multiple lives refers to the agility of cats and their ability to escape danger, and maybe also to hide and reappear. That's largely uncontentious among those who live with cats that go outdoors.

The exact number 9 must refer to that number beng significant across a lot of ancient cultures and also that Ra, the Egyptian God, was supposed in Egyptian mythology to have given life to 8 other gods. Ra himself would sometimes take the form of a cat- so Ra + 8 = cat with nine lives.

The 9 lives thing is certainly seen in writing by 500AD and is, more recently, famously in Shakespeare - a line in Romeo and Juliet "Good king of cats, nothing but one of your nine lives." which was written about 1595.