Whenever we hear one of the many “curiosity killed the cat” quotes, chances are, the subsequent phrase that follows it is probably different for everyone. But what does the phrase mean, exactly? And what consequences can our cats deal with if they get too curious?

Famous “Curiosity Killed the Cat” Quotes

• Curiosity killed the cat, but where human beings are concerned, the only thing a healthy curiosity can kill is ignorance.” – Harry Lorayne

• “What though care killed a cat, thou hast mettle enough in thee to kill care.” – William Shakespeare

Fun fact: William Shakespeare mentioned and referenced cats in over 30 of his plays!

• “If curiosity killed the cat, it was satisfaction that brought it back.” – Holly Black

• “And didn’t they say that, although curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought the beast back?” – Stephen King

Fun fact: Stephen King wrote an unpublished novel (but turned into a 1992 horror film) called “Sleepwalkers” – the antagonists in the movie were vampire-like humans who occasionally turned into werecats.

The Origins of “Curiosity Killed the Cat” Quotes

“Curiosity” Killed the Cat

Succinctly, “Curiosity killed the cat” means that meddling in something that you shouldn’t meddle in might get you in trouble. If you pry on other people’s affairs – even though it should be none of your concern – can lead to negative outcomes. Which is an unspoken rule that we all should practice!

“Care” Killed the Cat

However, as tragic as it is to think that our poor kitties can face fatal outcomes for being too inquisitive, the word “cat” wasn’t always in the proverb. According to an Interesting Literature article, it was “care” that killed the cat! The author – and various literature history experts – wrote that the phrase “care killed the cat” was first documented in 1598.

The saying was first mentioned in a comedy play, Every Man in His Humour by Ben Jonson. The line goes, “Helter skelter, hang sorrow, care’ll kill a cat, up-tails all, and a louse for the hangman.”

Summary

Apparently, one of the earliest origins of the “curiosity killed the cat” quotes is far more profound than many of us perceived. Despite the quote being a mere idiom, real-life felines do tend to be curious! Even revered literary legends – of the past and present – took notice of this cat trait!