Feline fostering: 100 lives changed and counting - Ontario SPCA and Humane Society (2024)

FAQs

Why do cats have nine lives and dogs don't? ›

Why do we say cats have nine lives? A cat is one of the most agile, quick-witted and independent pets out there. In particular, cats can withstand falls that would easily kill a human – which perhaps explains where the idea that a cat has nine lives came from.

Many cats have been neglected or abused and don't know what a loving home feels like. Foster families help them learn what it's like to eat, sleep and play in a safe space. Foster homes play an important role in caring for cats in an often-overburdened system.

The myth that cats have multiple lives exists in many cultures around the world. It's not always nine lives, though. Some Spanish-speaking regions believe cats have seven lives, while Turkish and Arabic legends claim cats have six lives.

On average, it is best to spend at least 2 hours, collectively throughout a day, with your foster animals. Socialization can be as important as feeding them and keeping them clean.

We love to relate feline lore all the way back to the ancient Egyptians, who revered and even worshipped cats. A common creation myth says that the sun god Ra, who took the shape of the “Great Tomcat” or Mau during his visits to the underworld, engendered eight other gods—thus representing nine lives in one.

The myth that cats possess multiple lives exists around our planet. In some cultures, it is believed that cats have six lives, while some other cultural legends claim that cats have seven lives. You are probably perplexed and wondering, “How many lives do cats have?” Well, cats do not have nine lives or seven or six.

A scenario in which pet parents take in a foster animal, but ultimately adopt them as a permanent family member.

Therefore, cat fostering—even short-term fostering—may not be more stressful or problematic for this species than remaining in a shelter and could contribute to life-saving efforts by allowing cats to move into homes when shelter space is limited.

Cat — Domestic cats are not mentioned in the Protestant Bible, but they are mentioned in Letter of Jeremiah verse 21.

What does Allah say about cats? ›

Unlike many other animals, such as dogs, Islamic Law considers cats ritually pure and possess baraka (blissful energy), and allows cats to freely enter homes and even mosques.

Does purring mean your cat is happy? In most cases, cats will purr when they are in a relaxed environment, sending out waves of calmness. This may also occur when you stroke them, and if this is the case, your feline friend is feeling happy or sociable. However, cats purr to communicate other emotions and needs, too.

There will inevitably be times when a foster cat gets attached to you, or you get especially attached to them (or both). While it can be hard to see when you're in the middle of it, your foster cat will love another person, too. And another person will love your foster cat as much as you do.

Waiting until a kitten is at least eight weeks of age before they are adopted or purchased will help to ensure that the kitten has had some opportunity for behavioural development, and has at least received adequate amounts of their mother's milk for growth and overall health.

In fact, research suggests that spaying has no impact at all on cats' parenting instincts! For current cat owners thinking of adding to their furry family, these instincts can often be highly beneficial in the acceptance of a new young kitten into the home.

Cats surviving high falls or dangerous situations contribute to the myth of their "nine lives." This myth also comes from ancient times when cats were seen as almost divine. So, the idea that they live nine times over is more about their impressive survival skills and historical reverence than reality.

1. Development and Care

Species that have faster development also tend to have shorter pregnancies, faster teething, finish their physical development faster, and reach sexual maturity earlier. In general, faster-developing species also tend to live shorter lives.

Cats Are Solitary Creatures

This helps reduce their exposure to infectious diseases which could shorten or end their lives. Dogs on the other hand are pack animals, so they are more likely to be exposed to infectious diseases, such as parvovirus, through close contact with others.

It's a species thing. Dogs and cats are distinct species, incapable of producing offspring together because of the many differences in their genome. At least, that's the traditional definition of a species, and it works—for the most part.