Ludwig Tieck

“ Natural history tells us that cats cannot be trusted and that they belong to the same family as lions, of which I am pitifully terrified. It is also said proverbially, false like a cat. Now if a cat had no conscience, he could run off with the boots, on which I must now spend my last penny, and flog them somewhere or other for next to nothing; or it's possible that he wants to endear himself to the shoemaker and then enter his service. But he already has a tomcat. — No, Hinze, my brothers have betrayed me, so I'll take my chances with you. ”

“ Hinze
Human beings labor under the misapprehension that the only remarkable thing about us cats is that strange purring which arises from a certain sense of well-being; for that reason they often stroke us awkwardly, and then we only purr to ward off blows. But if they knew how to manage us in the right way, believe me, they could accustom our good nature to anything, and Michel, Your neighbor's tom-cat, would even at times be pleased to jump through a hoop for the king. ”

“ I am sorry I brought him up, I know him as well as I know myself — but he'll just have to accept it, I can't help it, I really must sell him. — He's looking at me as though he understands. It's almost enough to make one cry. ”