Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? Unveiling the Myth and Science Behind Their Survival
Myth and Science Behind Cats’ Nine Lives
Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives?
You’ve probably heard the saying, “A cat has nine lives.” It’s often used to describe someone who survives multiple accidents, just like a cat, which supposedly has nine lives and is hard to kill. But is there any truth to this?
The saying originates from an old English proverb: “A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.” Even William Shakespeare referenced this belief in Romeo and Juliet.
Let’s dive in and unravel this myth and science behind cats’ nine lives!
How Did the Belief Start?
In ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred animals and worshipped as gods. Egyptians believed cats were divine creatures with supernatural powers. Given this view, the idea that they could have multiple lives doesn’t seem far-fetched.
Dr. Brian Beale, an orthopedic pet surgeon and joint specialist, explains, “Historically, cats have been observed surviving extreme situations—like being thrown from tall buildings or engulfed in fire—where humans or other animals would likely perish.”
Holistic physical therapist Sally Morgan adds, “Cats’ remarkable ability to balance themselves during falls is likely the main reason for the belief in their nine lives. Their flexible bones and ligaments, which help them move silently while hunting, also enable them to sustain minimal injury from accidents.”
Theosophical Perspective
From a theosophical point of view, cats are believed to possess a great amount of Prana, or life energy, which contributes to their agility and vitality.
But what is Prana, and why is it significant? Prana is the vital energy that all living organisms absorb from the sun. It’s essential for life, as all living beings—whether animals, plants, or humans—are sustained by Prana.
H.P. Blavatsky, co-founder of the School of Theosophy, compares Prana to oxygen in her book The Etheric Double, describing it as the life-giving force essential to organic life. Cats, being especially endowed with Prana, may have inspired the idea of them having “nine lives” and being sacred in Egyptian culture.
How to Increase Your Prana?
Did you know that one way to increase Prana in your body is through physical exercise? There are also simple breathing techniques that can help boost your Prana. To learn more, explore Pranic Healing!
