Cats are popularly said to have nine lives, but this is a myth rather than a fact. The idea of cats having multiple lives, especially nine, is widespread in Western cultures and reflects admiration for their agility and survival skills

. The number of lives attributed to cats varies by culture: some Spanish- speaking regions say cats have seven lives, while Turkish and Arabic traditions sometimes say six

. The myth likely originated from cats' remarkable physical abilities, such as their "righting reflex," which allows them to land on their feet after falling, and their flexibility and resilience to injuries from falls or accidents

. Cats' seeming ability to survive dangerous situations has contributed to the legend of multiple lives. Historically, cats were revered in ancient Egypt as divine creatures with supernatural powers, which may have influenced the belief in their multiple lives

. The number nine itself is considered mystical or magical in many cultures, which could explain why nine lives became the most common number associated with cats

. In reality, cats have only one life, and the saying is a metaphor for their agility, resilience, and survival instincts rather than literal multiple lives

. Summary:

• The common myth is that cats have nine lives, especially in Western culture.
• Other cultures attribute different numbers of lives (seven, six).
• The myth stems from cats' agility, ability to survive falls, and historical reverence.
• Cats actually have only one life.

Thus, cats do not literally have multiple lives; the "nine lives" saying is a cultural myth celebrating their survival skills