Cats do not literally have 7 or 9 lives; they have one life, just like other animals. The idea of 7 or 9 lives is a cultural myth that varies by country.

Why 7 or 9?

In many English‑speaking and some other Western cultures, people commonly say cats have 9 lives, partly because the number 9 has long been seen as mystical or lucky and is tied to older European traditions. In several Spanish‑speaking and some European countries, people instead say cats have 7 lives, since 7 is also a symbolically powerful “magic” number in those traditions.

What is true about cats?

The saying exists because cats are very agile and often survive falls or accidents that might seriously injure other animals, thanks to their flexible spine, strong muscles, and ability to twist in the air and land on their feet. This impressive survival ability makes it seem as if they “cheat death” several times, inspiring the myth of multiple lives even though biologically they only have one.