9 lives or 7 lives?

[worder]

Dear answerbankers, why is it that in Spanish we say el gato tiene 7 vidas, elgato tiene 7 vidas, but in English we say the cat has 9 lives?
are English cats healthier? do they get more checkups? :)
seriously, please, explain. thanks in advance,

[Pinotage]

Inflation. Everything costs more in the UK than Spain.

[ralph1953]

I believe it's something to do with the exchange rate.

[worder]

thank you folks for the funny answers, and if anyone can come up with the real reason, go ahead. ya'll have a good night!!!!!