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.
— The client wants the fabric by Thursday. — The hasty cat gives birth to blind kittens. If we finish it quickly it will have defects. Call the client.
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.
Look at these drawings. The hasty cat gives birth to blind kittens — there are errors on every page. Everything must be redone.
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?
— We got engaged after three weeks. — The hasty cat gives birth to blind kittens. Do you really know him?
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.
They built in two months what normally takes six. The hasty cat gives birth to blind kittens — now the roof leaks.