Enigmatic, agile and full of personality – cats stand out among pets. A symbol of cunning, stealth, independence and even mystery, this cat has been domesticated for thousands of years, possibly in ancient Egypt.
Since then, different cultures have observed the behavior of cats until they became so Protagonists of hundreds of proverbs. In this way, the animal has become a metaphor for human relationships, endurance and life itself.
“Having seven lives, like cats”; “exit”; “Ring the bell to the cat”; “Get along like a cat and a dog”; “Here is a cat” or “Put the cat in the water” are just a few examples of these allegorical sayings.
Another phrase, also quite well known on the Iberian Peninsula, is about human nature itself, its fears and anxieties. And it is still valid today.
Among Spanish proverbs: “Scalded cat, run from cold water” is a popular expression that illustrates how a traumatic experience can lead to a excessive cautioneven in the face of non-existent risks.
A cat that has suffered the bite of boiling water will certainly flee in terror when it comes into contact with cold water. This symbolizes the deep-rooted distrust after suffering.
The origin of the saying goes back to medieval oral traditionin the Iberian Peninsula, with parallels in Catalan like Gat scaldat d’water freda tem (documented since 1803) and variants in Portuguese Cat scalded by cold water. Sources such as the PCCD’s paremiological corpus recording forms, used since 1806, which correspond to English once burned, twice shy (“Once burned, twice shy,” in the literal sense).
The saying teaches that bad experiences are lessonsand become hypersensitive to any resemblance to them. This alludes to irrational fear and also acquired prudence Those who have suffered harm are afraid of his appearance. For example, people who avoid new relationships after a disappointment in love, or investors who remain very cautious after financial losses.
The saying can be applied in different areas:
In a world full of volatile risks such as pandemics, terrorism, wars and cyberattacks, the saying suggests balancing caution and courage. It doesn’t promote paranoia, but rather adaptive learning. Because the wise cat differentiates cold water from boiling water over time.
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