9 lives

Question
why do cats have 9 lives !!! i am with 2 greek and one bulgarian friend and we find the same ( myth ) strolling through all of our respective cultures . seasons greetings and ta very much x

Answer
Lilli,

I have done some searches, and about all I can find on 9 Lives is:

"A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays." - English/American proverb <no date is listed>


I would not be surprised if many cultures had similar proverbs/myths.

As best as I can see the origin of the myth comes from the uncanny ability of cats to land on their feet when falling (even from great heights) and be able to keep on going.  To be able to get out of nasty situations because they can geth through some pretty small spaces to make their escapes.

I have not been much help on this, but after many searches, the origins of the myth seem very, very unclear.

Seasonal regards... Norm.