The hasty cat gives birth to blind kittens — hurrying produces imperfect results. Work done in a rush is never done well.
This vivid proverb draws on the biological reality that premature birth leads to underdeveloped young. The image of blind kittens — helpless, unable to function — became a powerful metaphor for the products of haste in all fields of human endeavour. In Lombard artisan culture, where the reputation of a workshop depended on the quality of its products, the proverb was a constant reminder that rushing an order was more dangerous than delivering it late. The silk weavers of Como, the goldsmiths of Milan, the luthiers of Cremona — all operated in traditions where a single defective piece could damage a reputation built over generations. The proverb is also applied to human relationships and decisions: the marriage contracted in a rush, the business agreement signed without reading the small print, the renovation begun without proper planning.
Lombard proverb found across northern Italy. Closely associated with the artisan culture of Milan, Como, Cremona, and Brescia.
A Como silk weaver to an impatient apprentice
— Il cliente vuole il tessuto per giovedì. — La gatta fretolosa fa i gattini ciechi. Se lo finiamo in fretta avrà dei difetti. Telefona al cliente.
— El cliente quiere la tela para el jueves. — La gata apresurada pare gatitos ciegos. Si lo terminamos rápido tendrá defectos. Llama al cliente.
A Milan architect reviewing a rushed project
Guardate questi disegni. La gatta fretolosa fa i gattini ciechi — ci sono errori su ogni pagina. Bisogna rifare tutto.
Mira estos dibujos. La gata apresurada pare gatitos ciegos — hay errores en cada página. Hay que rehacer todo.
A mother warning her daughter about a quick engagement
— Ci siamo fidanzati dopo tre settimane. — La gatta fretolosa fa i gattini ciechi. Lo conosci davvero?
— Nos prometimos después de tres semanas. — La gata apresurada pare gatitos ciegos. ¿Le conoces de verdad?
A Brescia contractor reviewing rushed construction work
Hanno costruito in due mesi quello che normalmente richiede sei. La gatta fretolosa fa i gattini ciechi — adesso il tetto fa acqua.
Construyeron en dos meses lo que normalmente lleva seis. La gata apresurada pare gatitos ciegos — ahora el techo tiene goteras.