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Cat of Nine Tails

Posted by Lewis on February 07, 2003

In Reply to: Cats have nine lives?! posted by S. on February 05, 2003

: : : Very suprised that this one hasn't already been discussed! If any one has any insight into the origin of the myth that "cats have nine lives," please share!

: : From the Web site linked to below:

: : "One theory on the origin of this expression is that in ancient times nine was a lucky number because it is the Trinity of Trinities. As cats seem able to escape injury time and time again, this lucky number seemed suited to the cat. While in most countries the cat is said to have nine lives, in Arab and Turkish proverbs poor puss has a mere seven lucky lives and in Russia, is said to-survive nine deaths."

Any link - to the whip of punishment - the cat o'ninetails? Just a thought.

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