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

Do cats have nine lives? This is one of the questions we get asked the most by our customers, and honestly, we understand why people often ask this question. Cats do things that seem almost impossible to survive.

But the answer is NO. Cats don't have nine lives. What they have is a set of physical traits that make them one of the greatest survivors.

Where Did the Nine Lives Myth Come From?

When we answer the question, the truth is clear: cats don’t actually have nine lives. Yet many customers immediately ask, “So why the saying?” Originally, the belief that cats have nine lives goes back centuries. In ancient Egypt, cats were respected, protected, and treated almost like sacred animals. 

Over time, different cultures saw them as mystical creatures with powers beyond ordinary animals. Their agility, resilience, and uncanny ability to survive dangerous situations helped promote the myth, making the “nine lives” saying a testament to their mysterious nature.

The number nine has long stood for the completeness and magic in various traditions, so somewhere along the way, cats and the number nine became permanently linked.

Why Do Cats Land on Their Feet?

This is probably the biggest reason the myth that cats have nine lives stuck around. Cats really do survive falls that would seriously injure or kill most animals. The major reason for this is because they always land on their feet, and the reason is that cats have the following:

• A flexible spine that allows them to rotate midair 
• Strong back legs that is built to absorb impact
• A very fast and survival reflex that kicks in almost instantly during a fall
• Excellent balance from a highly developed inner ear

When a cat falls, it automatically twists its body to position itself feet first before hitting the ground. This happens very fast, sometimes within a fraction of a second. 

What Is High-Rise Syndrome?

"High-rise syndrome" is the term vets use for injuries cats get after falling from tall buildings. And yes, some cats survive surprisingly long falls because of their body structure.

But here's what the myth gets wrong: surviving doesn't mean walking away unhurt and undamaged. Broken bones, internal injuries, and serious trauma are common, even when the cat lives. The fact that cats are resilient doesn't mean that they are indestructible.

How Long Do Cats Actually Live?

1. Indoor cats can live up to 12–18 years
2. Outdoor cats can live up to 5–10 years

The difference in how long indoor and outdoor cats can live is as a result of several other factors. Outdoor cats face traffic, disease, predators, and other risks that cut their lives short. This is why most vets recommend keeping cats indoors.

Other Common Cat Myths

1. "Cats always land safely." While cats can always land on their feet, injuries still happen.
2. "Cats are independent and don't need much care." This is another myth that needs to be addressed: cats need proper nutrition, stimulation, and regular vet visits just like any other pet.
3. "Cats don't feel pain like other animals." Cats aren't indestructible; they feel pain like every other pet and animal. They're just better at hiding it.

Next time someone tells you that cats have nine lives, let them know it's not true, but with proper care, good nutrition, and a safe environment, they can live a long and healthy life.

At Petrite we have in stock every cat essential to help you support your cats' day-to-day life and care for them so they can live a long and very healthy life.