Are Cats Truly Immortal?

Quck answer

The belief that cats have nine lives is just a myth. Cats are not immortal and have only one life like any other living creature. The origin of this myth is uncertain, but it may have come from the fact that cats are known for their agility and ability to survive falls from high places. They have a flexible body and can often land on their feet, which gives the impression of them escaping death. However, cats are still vulnerable to accidents, diseases, and old age. So, while cats may be resilient and have survival skills, they definitely do not possess multiple lives.


Have you ever heard the saying that cats have nine lives? What’s the deal with that? Is it actually true? And if so, who keeps track?

To the satisfaction of dogs everywhere, we can confidently say that cats only have one life to live. The idea of cats having “nine lives” is simply a popular myth that has been passed down for centuries.

Myths are ancient tales (sometimes referred to as “legends”) that usually feature a person, animal, hero, or event. Although they lack factual evidence, myths often attempt to explain certain ideas or natural phenomena.

So where did the belief in cats having nine lives originate from? Nobody knows for certain. However, we do know that it has been in existence for a very long time.

William Shakespeare mentions the myth of nine lives in his play Romeo and Juliet. Additionally, there is an old proverb that states, “A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.”

Some people speculate that the myth of nine lives is connected to cats’ exceptional ability to always land on their feet. Cats are also renowned for their agility and nimbleness.

Over time, people observed cats surviving in situations that would have caused serious harm to other animals. This likely led some individuals to believe that cats possess multiple lives.

In ancient Egypt, cats held a sacred status and were worshipped as gods. Ancient Egyptians believed that cats were divine creatures with psychic or supernatural powers. The notion of cats having multiple lives aligned with their perception of cats.

But why specifically nine lives? The answer to that remains unknown. There are several theories.

For instance, the ancient Egyptian sun god, Atum-Ra, was believed to transform into a cat when visiting the underworld. Legend has it that Atum-Ra gave birth to eight other gods, thus representing nine lives in total.

Others speculate that the number nine may have originated from China, where it is considered a lucky number. The number nine, also known as “the trinity of trinities,” holds mystical significance in various religions and regions across the globe.

The belief in cats having multiple lives exists in numerous cultures worldwide. However, it is not always nine lives. Some Spanish-speaking regions believe cats have seven lives, while Turkish and Arabic legends suggest that cats possess six lives.

Give It a Go

We hope you found today’s intriguing exploration of feline wonders enjoyable! Keep the learning journey alive by engaging in the following activities with a friend or family member:

The Tale of Arachne the Weaver

The Story of Medusa and Athena

How Prometheus Brought Fire to Humans

Theseus and the Minotaur

Listen to the Story of Phaeton

Multiple Lives: A Fantasy or Reality?

Imagine if you were granted the luxury of having nine lives. Take a moment to let your creativity run free and brainstorm a list of thrilling adventures and daring experiments you would embark on, knowing that you had multiple lives to spare. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of possessing nine lives. Can you envision any potential drawbacks? Ultimately, do you believe that the ability to live multiple lives would be advantageous or detrimental? Provide your perspective to a close friend or family member and engage in an open discussion. What are their thoughts on this intriguing concept?

If you’re eager to delve deeper into the realm of mythology, there’s no better place to start than ancient Greece. Renowned for its captivating tales, Greek mythology offers a plethora of fascinating stories waiting to be explored:

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