Did curiousity really kill the cat??

by admin Email

Link: http://www.margsanimals.com

This is MewMew curious as to what is in the box.

 

Well we the cats, decided to do some research about this subject because we didn't want to be dead. Life is too much fun. So we have discovered that the say 'curiosity killed the cat' is just a very old saying.  Although it does seem like some of the things we ge curious about are in the dangerous zone.

Originally the saying came from 'care killed the cat'  meaning care as in "worry"  or "sorrow". In other words, care is a warning that worry is bad for your health. And so the saying became that cats were very careful and cautious, and so over time, the word became curiousity.  We feel like there probably has been some cats that were killed by their curiosity, but we are pretty smart kitties and in general are very careful. So it seems after much research, that this saying is just silly.

 

And she couldn't stand it, she had to see what is in there.

We are a very curious animal but one of the reasons we are that way, is because our natural way is to search for our own food and in order to do that, we have to be aware of different sounds and smells that may lead us to some yummy food. For example, like I bet all you kitties know that sound of the treat bag crackle. Or know what time it is time to eat. When cats live outside, and have to find their own food, they know about the smell of birds and mice and what noises they make.

 


31 comments

I am a very, very cautious cat! Being deaded would be no fun at all.

Harley's lip ulcer is much better now that he has been on the prednisone. It looks like it is going to take a very long time for his missing claw to grow back.
03/24/10 @ 07:05
Hi! That is very interesting! Kitties are definitely super duper curious creatures like Mewmew! They must know what is behind that door, in that box, what you are holding in your hand, that sound outside the window! That's one of the many things that make kitties absolutely fascinating to watch. Take care x
03/24/10 @ 08:17
Comment from: Fuzzy Tales [Visitor]
Very interesting history of the expression. I always thought the entire saying was "Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back."
03/24/10 @ 08:41
Comment from: Ingrid King [Visitor] · http://consciouscat.net
How interesting! I never knew how this saying originated. And how very true that worry is bad for our health. Cats are so much smarter than humans when it comes to knowing this.

Cute photos!
03/24/10 @ 08:41
Comment from: umi-e [Visitor] · http://umi-e.blogspot.com
Hello there...

Cats are always curious ;)

*Have a nice day*
03/24/10 @ 08:49
Comment from: Comedy Plus [Visitor] · http://comedyplus.blogspot.com/
I love to watch kitties hunt. They are also very good at knowing what the treats bag sounds like too. Very smart indeed.

Have a purrfect and safe day. Big hug to Marg. :)
03/24/10 @ 11:00
Comment from: Rebecca [Visitor] · http://catloverssite.info
If my mom ever heard somebody say "curiosity killed the cat" she would immediately retort "satisfaction brought him back" bit of a rebel, my mom!
03/24/10 @ 11:21
That's good to know, I was kind of worried about that!
03/24/10 @ 11:36
Comment from: Jacqueline [Visitor] · http://jacquelinescathouse.blogspot.com/
Interesting to know where how the saying originated...We love boxes and must inspect and get inside every one that comes through the house; MewMew is a beautiful girl with lovely fluffy furs!!...Have a fun day!...xo...Calle, Halle, Sukki
03/24/10 @ 11:51
Comment from: Sammy and Andy [Visitor] · http://samandy007.blogspot.com/
When mama hears someone say "Curiosity killed a cat," she always replies with "But satisfaction brought him back." She probably sees a glass that is half full instead of half empty too.....:)

You are so cute!!!!!!!

We have been trying to comment but it keeps saying we might be spam.......so will try one more time and then give up if it isn't approved.....stupid programs anyway!!! MOL
03/24/10 @ 12:05
Comment from: Laila and Minchie [Visitor] · http://www.cat-a-holic.blogspot.com
OMC! MewMew looks a LOT like me!

Minchie
03/24/10 @ 12:08
Comment from: Amy & The House of Cats [Visitor] · http://houseofcats-amy.blogspot.com
That is interesting - we had no idea where that phrase came from, but we are glad to know that it is mostly untrue (though we do agree that it may have happend to some poor cat sometime).
03/24/10 @ 12:14
Comment from: Sparkle [Visitor] · http://www.sparklecat.com
I have NO idea how worry ever got associated with cats, because it's the last thing we do! Worrying is what humans do. And also, humans are not curious ENOUGH! They would discover so many fascinating things if they were less worrisome and more curious.
03/24/10 @ 12:39
Comment from: animalartist [Visitor] · http://portraitsofanimals.wordpress.com
This is a literary one, and this is one phrase that has been used by almost everyone to their own interpretation! I never understood either Jonson's or Shakespeare's meaning with the "care" thing as in "careworn"--I'm sure cats were the same in their day and even with shy, timid cats I've never seen them sit around and "worry" excessively. I think that because cats were still considered somewhat "supernatural" in that day and like other "spirits" they seemingly came and went at will then only an emotional trauma could hurt them, and Shakespeare referenced Jonson all the time. "Curiosity" first appeared in use in the late Victorian era in reference to a tomcat and his habits. The "satisfaction brought him back" was attributed to Eugene O'Neill in one of his plays, but I never found it, though he was likely to say contrary things like that.

In any case, my kitties sit on all my reference books, and all their curiosity does them no harm at all! But a box, now that's a reason for a day of exploration!
03/24/10 @ 14:43
Comment from: Your Daily Cute [Visitor] · http://www.yourdailycute.com
Wow. That was a fun read! :)

And speaking of reading... I started Buckley last night, and I swear I'm almost halfway done with it! Such a sweet story.
03/24/10 @ 16:08
Comment from: Nathan [Visitor] · http://wild-facts.com
This is a great post to help clear up that old myth. Also interesting to see how it was originally "worry" that is harmful. I

It is good to know that not only cats but everyone can continue to feed their curiosity without having to worry about dying.

Thanks for posting this!

By the way, what was in the box??
03/24/10 @ 17:22
Comment from: "The Boys" and Karen [Visitor] · http://www.kittensandmittensandthings.com
What is it about boxes? I was at another site today, too, where kitty was playing with a box. But then, "the Boys" around here like boxes, too!

Thanks for the information about curiosity and the cat!
03/24/10 @ 17:55
Comment from: The Island Cats [Visitor] · http://island-cats.com
That is a funny saying...and definitely not true...we can attest to that!
03/24/10 @ 19:06
Yes I heard satisfaction brought them back too.
03/24/10 @ 21:17
Comment from: Nikita Cat [Visitor] · http://www.opinionatedpussycat.com
What a fascinating bit of research, and cute pictures!
03/24/10 @ 21:31
Comment from: meowmeowmans [Visitor] · http://animalsheltervolunteer.blogspot.com/
Great read! Thanks for such an interesting post.

Oh, and we also wanted to thank you for your offer to post some of the PAWS kitties on your blog. That is SO nice of you! I will check with our shelter director about this; I know we have a policy of only adopting to people "within reasonable driving distance of Norwalk, Conn.," but hey, you never know who might be reading your blog, right? It could be someone who *does* live around here. :)

Thanks again. We love your blog, and appreciate your friendship!

Your pals at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life
http://animalsheltervolunteer.blogspot.com/
03/24/10 @ 21:42
Comment from: Lorenza [Visitor] · http://eldiariodelorenza.blogspot.com
Thanks for telling us about the origin of the phrase!
Happy Wednesday!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
03/24/10 @ 21:51
Comment from: BeadedTail [Visitor] · http://beadedtail.blogspot.com/
We didn't know where that saying came from but we do know we're very curious. Or maybe we're just excellent inspectors and snoopervisers!
03/24/10 @ 21:58
Comment from: John@Family, Fitness and Finances [Visitor] · http://www.ezgreatlife.com
I have two very curious cats. Thank goodness the old saying isn't true! They LOVE to play inside boxes. It's almost better than any toy you could buy them. :)
03/24/10 @ 22:15
Comment from: Grrreta [Visitor] · http://grrreta1.bligspot.com
It is very interesting to learn the origin of that saying. Those are adorable pictures of you inspecting that box.
03/24/10 @ 22:54
Maybe curiosity did kill a cat or two, but I'm sure there were many more that were greatly rewarded for their curiosity.
03/24/10 @ 22:59
Comment from: Love Meow [Visitor] · http://lovemeow.com
cats curiosity is pawsome. They are so adorable and fun coz they are curious and they do certain things that are just too cute for words. It's interesting to learn about the origin of the saying. :)
03/24/10 @ 23:22
Comment from: Karen Jo [Visitor] · http://kittylimericks.blogspot.com
Thank you for the information. I never knew where that saying came from. Yes, curiosity can get cats into trouble, but I think that most realize when things are getting dangerous. For instance, Herman got very curious about something I was cooking on the stove and he hopped up on the counter to investigate. The heat from the burner made him back off, though. I was right there to pull him away if he got too close.
03/25/10 @ 02:00
Comment from: viveca from FatigueBeGone [Visitor] · http://www.adrenalfatiguebegone.com
where would we be without our cats! Gengus Le Chat has been dogging me today (even thought he is a cat!) It amazes me how affectionate cats are ... curious, affectionate, cuddly - they are the perfect companions!

And, yes I probably am too cautious with mine. They are house kitties because I live too close to a deadly road. Someday I'll have a home in the country where they can get out - climb tress - chew on grass and roam ...

Viveca
03/25/10 @ 15:18
Comment from: Katherine [Visitor] · http://www.shoot-me-now.com
Yup, I agree. Satisfaction brought him back. That is def'y why they have nine lives. :)
03/25/10 @ 16:38
Comment from: Baby Patches [Visitor] · http://blog.nipandbones.com
Dat is pawsome, I mean momma says dat she always wondered where dat saying cames from. We kitties are curious creatures, I finks it a necessary trait for us. I would has to sees what is in dat box too MOL

Purrrrrrrrrrrrs
03/27/10 @ 13:31

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