77 Cat Proverbs and Sayings

Feline Proverbs and Sayings: What Are They?

All languages use proverbs, and many of them started life as wise sayings or advice. These brilliant snippets from the past, created to be memorable, provide guidance from one generation to another. These proverbs cover every topic we can imagine

The exciting thing about a proverb is that it can carry its message and be understood immediately without requiring further explanation or examination. This article explores proverbs and sayings gathered from around the world that involve the characteristics of the cat.

A Cat’s View of Its Place in Life

Here are the proverbs that let us know that cats are in charge.

1. A cat's a cat, and that's that.

This American proverb is short, concise, and to the point.

2. In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.

This English proverb confirms what all cat owners already know all too well.

3. I gave an order to a cat, and the cat gave it to its tail.

A Chinese proverb that sums up the previous two sayings above quite nicely.

4. A cat knows you are the key to their happiness—a man thinks he is.

It seems that a cat knows your place better than you do yourself.

Cats and Their Interaction With People

These sayings really illustrated how our cats interact with us.

5. Happy owner, happy cat. Indifferent owner, reclusive cat.

This Chinese proverb is snappy, to the point, and accurate. You have to show love to get love.

6. If you want to know the character of a man, find out what his cat thinks of him.

As the proverb suggests, the cat is the shrewd judge of character. They are not easily fooled and can see past outer pretense.

7. Beware of people who dislike cats.

This Irish saying suggests something dubious about people who cannot bring themselves to like cats.

8. Cats have an amazingly keen sense of hearing but go conveniently deaf when you call.

I can confirm the validity of this saying. I have yet to find a cat that answers a command the way a dog would. They much prefer to do things in their own good time.

9. When I am in the doghouse, my cats still come to visit.

The cat seems unswayed by other house lodgers' trivial spats and goings on.

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10. I got rid of my husband. The cat was allergic.

This statement says it all. You have to know know your place in the hierarchy.

Cats Know Who Is in Charge—Do You?

Every cat owner learns only too quickly how the hierarchy will be once the cat moves in.

11. The purity of a person's heart can be immediately measured by how he regards cats.

I have often thought that this was a vicious rumor put out there by those sneaky cats.

12. Everyone knows cats are on a higher level of existence. These silly humans are just too big-headed to admit their inferiority.

I have never heard my cat say this, but somehow, I know he means this.

13. A cat knows precisely what you are and treats you accordingly.

You should be in no doubt about this proverb.

14. Blessed are those who love cats, for they shall never be lonely.

Despite seeming aloof, your cat will always be at your side. Granted, a chance for a bit of peace would be fantastic—even if only for a minute.

15. For a man to truly understand rejection, he must first be ignored by a cat.

Rejection is one of the first lessons a cat teaches you. It is hard to be ignored after giving so much love to your feline.

Cat Proverbs About Their Nature

Cats are intelligent creatures with many layers. Here are some sayings that cover their behavior and nature.

16. A person who manages to understand a cat is qualified to understand almost anything else.

Cats are complicated things. Understanding them is like solving a riddle wrapped in a mystery within an enigma.

17. Those who dislike cats will be carried to the cemetery in the rain.

This Dutch saying confirms what all cats want you to believe.

18. Cats are so unpredictable. You never know how they'll ignore you next.

It never ceases to amaze me how creative a cat can be in finding unexpected new ways to blank you out.

19. Cats leave paw prints on our hearts.

Spend any time with a cat and you will see how true this proverb is.

20. There are many intelligent species in the universe. They are all owned by cats.

Cats may very well rule the universe. It would not be terribly surprising.

Proverbs About Cats in Your Home

Those of us with a cat in the house will soon realize that our home will never be the same again.

21. It's the cat's house. I merely pay the mortgage.

This saying just highlights the relationship between cat and cat owner. We're basically working for them

22. Books, cats, and fair-haired little girls make the best furnishing for a room.

This French proverb sets an idyllic tone for our dwellings.

23. A house without a dog, a cat, or a little child is a house without joy or laughter.

A proverb from Scotland that supports the accuracy of the previous French version.

24. Free to a good home—female cat or husband.

This is another saying that describes what should be in an ideal home.

25. Happy is the home with at least one cat.

An Italian proverb that was obviously created by a cat lover. However, there is a semblance of truth here.

26. We have a friend who hates cats. Every time he comes to the house, the cat sits on his knee.

Cat mind games are afoot here. They are letting you know what they know about you.

27. A cat will wait until you've read your morning paper before tearing it to shreds.

The cat in this saying must have been a more polite than mine!

28. A cat makes all the difference between coming home to an empty house and coming home.

This proverb is true. You are never alone once a cat moves in.

29. Never feed your cat anything that doesn't match the carpet.

Never was a more accurate statement made. Cats may develop an intolerance for certain foods over time. I would opt for laminate flooring if I were you.

30. Anything on the ground is a cat toy. Anything not there yet, will be.

Any cat owner will tell you that they love nothing more than to knock you possessions down to the floor. Keep an eye on them when they are near your more fragile items.

Cats and Their Association With Luck

There is a great deal of folklore surrounding cats (mainly black cats). While many cultures consider a black cat a sign of good luck, others consider them to be a symbol of impending bad luck. Here are a few sayings associated with cats and success.

31. You will always be lucky if you know how to make friends with strange cats.

An American proverb that conveys how fortunate someone must be if they get along with these complex creatures.

32. A cat assures its owner of good luck.

A Chinese proverb.