20+ Cat Proverbs and Cat Sayings from Around the World

Cats have slinked their way into the hearts, homes, and folklore of people all around the world for centuries. From wise old cat sayings to quirky superstitions, this collection of cat proverbs reveal a lot about how different cultures view our mysterious feline friends.

So, whether you’re looking for some cat inspiration, interested in international cat folklore, or simply want some fun feline wisdom, take a look at these cat proverbs and cat sayings from across the globe. Some are funny, others insightful, but all of them prove one thing: cats are everywhere, and they’ve always had something to say.

Cat Proverbs & Sayings from Around the World

1. “A cat has nine lives.” – English proverb

A classic bit of British cat folklore. This famous cat saying reflects our belief in cats’ uncanny ability to survive anything, from tumbles off rooftops to skirmishes with other animals.

2. “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” – Medieval Latin proverb

An old saying about cats (and perhaps bosses!), this reminds us that authority keeps mischief in check.

3. “The cat who frightens the mice away is as good as the cat who eats them.” – German proverb

From Germany’s practical wisdom, this cat proverb is about doing your job effectively – even if you’re not flashy about it.

4. “A cat in gloves catches no mice.” – French proverb

Our stylish French neighbours remind us that sometimes, you’ve got to get your paws dirty to get things done.

5. “The cat who doesn’t cry gets nothing.” – Japanese proverb

This gem of Japanese feline wisdom encourages us to speak up if we want to be noticed.

6. “Beware of people who dislike cats.” – Irish saying

A firm favourite in cat lover circles. In Irish cat folklore, anyone who doesn’t like cats is probably not to be trusted. Fair enough.

7. “Even a cat is a lion in her own lair.” – Indian proverb

A lovely reminder that we can find strength in our own areas of expertise.

8. “A cat is a lion in a jungle of small bushes.” – African proverb

This traditional cat expression shows how courage can shine regardless of size.

9. “A house without a cat is like a body without a soul.” – Portuguese saying

Definitely one for cat lovers, this cat saying gives words to the feeling that a home just isn’t complete without a feline presence.

10. “Dogs have owners, cats have staff.” – Unknown (popular Western saying)

This isn’t technically a cat proverb, but it’s so widespread in modern cat culture it could count as contemporary folklore!

11. “If a cat washes her face, it means visitors are coming.” – Japanese cat superstition

Who needs a doorbell when your cat’s a walking visitor forecaster?

12. “Cats hide their claws.” – English saying

A lovely metaphor for quiet strength. Just because someone seems gentle doesn’t mean they’re not powerful.

13. “A cat that belongs to everyone belongs to no one.” – Spanish saying

Spoken like someone who’s known a particularly sassy street cat, this Spanish feline folklore celebrates the famous independence of cats.

14. “The cat dreams of mice.” – Persian proverb (Iran)

A charming reflection of how our desires show up in our dreams.

15. “A cat may look at a king.” – Old English proverb

Proof that even in ye olden days, we believed that low status is still deserving of rights.

16. “If stretching were wealth, the cat would be rich.” – African proverb

A playful way to admire the elegance of cat behaviour.

17. “In a cat’s eye, all things belong to cats.” – English proverb

If you’ve ever lived with a cat, you will know that this cat quote is so true. Your lap? Theirs. Your keyboard? Also theirs. And don’t get us started on the cardboard boxes…

18. “Curiosity killed the cat.” – Irish proverb

A warning about the dangers of being too curious, this famous cat proverb is though to have originated in Ireland.

19. “Where the cat is, there is love.” – Lithuanian proverb

This gem from Lithuania speaks straight to the heart. Cat meaning here is simple: love lives where cats are.

20. “A cat bitten once by a snake dreads even rope.” – Chinese proverb

A powerful cat idiom about trauma and caution – one that humans can relate to deeply.

21. “You will always be lucky if you know how to make friends with strange cats.” – Colonial American proverb

A nod to the mysterious charm and luck associated with cats.

22. “Cats and women will do as they please.” – Robert Heinlein quote

It may not be a proverb, but this nod to feline and female independence is certainly a popular cat quote!

The Global Appeal of Cat Proverbs

Isn’t it fascinating how so many cultures across the globe have their own takes on our feline friends? From famous cat sayings to deeper cat meanings hidden in metaphor, these cat proverbs show just how universal our admiration (and awe) of cats truly is.

Whether you’re sharing these cat quotes with friends, pondering historical cat beliefs, or simply using them as captions for your next Instagram post of your furry friend, let them serve as a reminder: the world may change, but cats, and our love for them, remain timeless.

How many of these proverbs about cats have you heard before? Let us know in the comments if your family had any quirky cat legends or local cat idioms.

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