--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: No favor can win gratitude from a cat." description: "\"No favor can win gratitude from a cat.\" — Jean de La Fontaine" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a19/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_cat_no-favor-can-win-gratitude-from-a-cat-13_131339.jpg" --- # No favor can win gratitude from a cat. ![“No favor can win gratitude from a cat.” quote by Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a19/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_cat_no-favor-can-win-gratitude-from-a-cat-13_131339.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a19/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_cat_no-favor-can-win-gratitude-from-a-cat-13_131339.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a19/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_cat_no-favor-can-win-gratitude-from-a-cat-13_131339.jpg) > “No favor can win gratitude from a cat.” [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Attempting to buy gratitude from someone indifferent is futile; true appreciation cannot be forced. **In simple terms:** You can't force gratitude from the indifferent. Key Takeaway Seek genuine respect, not bought favors. Themes gratitude humility relationships Mood reflective thoughtful Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - workplace - family - friendships Key Concepts social dynamics authenticity Questions to Reflect On - Why do people try to buy appreciation? - What are healthier ways to earn respect? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cat/) [Cats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cats/) [Gratitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gratitude/) [Winning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/winning/) ## Related quotes > [“I will give you some advice, Vorarbeiter. Advice that could change your life.” “Oui, mon général?” “Doing favors,” Leyers said. “They help wondrously over…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-t-sullivan/i-will-give-you-some-advice-vorarbeiter-advice-that-could-change-your/) [Mark T. Sullivan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-t-sullivan/) > [In my estimation, there should always be a mixture of economic liberalism - which means small government, a great emphasis on markets - but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-howard/in-my-estimation-there-should-always-be-a-mixture-of-economic/) [John Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-howard/) > [If you want to make a friend, let someone do you a favor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-franklin/if-you-want-to-make-a-friend-let-someone-do-you-a-favor/) [Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-franklin/) > [In case anybody asks you about my position on capital punishment, you can tell them I favor it; and if they want to know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/in-case-anybody-asks-you-about-my-position-on-capital-punishment-you/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [The favor for the favor or One hand washes the other.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/petronius/the-favor-for-the-favor-or-one-hand-washes-the-other/) [Petronius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/petronius/) > [Forgiveness is a favor we do for ourselves, not a favor we do to the other party.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-s-kushner/forgiveness-is-a-favor-we-do-for-ourselves-not-a-favor-we-do-to-the/) [Harold S. Kushner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harold-s-kushner/) > [Perhaps the only thing in my favor is that I am very tenacious. I don't take 'no' very well.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kathryn-bigelow/perhaps-the-only-thing-in-my-favor-is-that-i-am-very-tenacious-i-don/) [Kathryn Bigelow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathryn-bigelow/) > [Unfortunately, when someone asks me for a favor, I cant say no. Because of my upbringing - my Catholic guilt - if I dont…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bradley-cooper/unfortunately-when-someone-asks-me-for-a-favor-i-cant-say-no-because/) [Bradley Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bradley-cooper/) > [So can you do me a favor? If I pull it together, make it sooner than later.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/drake/so-can-you-do-me-a-favor-if-i-pull-it-together-make-it-sooner-than/) [Drake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/drake/) > [One person can bring favor to many during the storm.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/beth-moore/one-person-can-bring-favor-to-many-during-the-storm/) [Beth Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/beth-moore/) > [I would favor a law that no one could ever buy a gun.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-would-favor-a-law-that-no-one-could-ever-buy-a-gun/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I favor capital punishment. It saves lives.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nancy-reagan/i-favor-capital-punishment-it-saves-lives/) [Nancy Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nancy-reagan/) > [At least once a month, do something for someone who will never know who did them the friendly favor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-cheeke/at-least-once-a-month-do-something-for-someone-who-will-never-know/) [Robert Cheeke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-cheeke/) > [I'm all in favor of NATO.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/i-m-all-in-favor-of-nato/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [Do yourself a favor, become your own savior.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-johnston/do-yourself-a-favor-become-your-own-savior/) [Daniel Johnston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-johnston/) ## More by Jean de La Fontaine > [Nothing is so oppressive as a secret: women find it difficult to keep one long; and I know a goodly number of men who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/nothing-is-so-oppressive-as-a-secret-women-find-it-difficult-to-keep/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [One should stick to the sort of thing for which one was made; I tried to be an herbalist, Whereas I should keep to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/one-should-stick-to-the-sort-of-thing-for-which-one-was-made-i-tried/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [ No flowery road leads to glory. \[Fr., Aucun chemin de fleurs ne conduit a la gloire.\] ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/no-flowery-road-leads-to-glory-fr-aucun-chemin-de-fleurs-ne-conduit-a/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [Nothing is as dangerous as an ignorant friend; a wise enemy is to be preferred.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/nothing-is-as-dangerous-as-an-ignorant-friend-a-wise-enemy-is-to-be/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [“Everyone believes very easily whatever he fears or desires.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/everyone-believes-very-easily-whatever-he-fears-or-desires/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [Example is a dangerous lure: where the wasp got through the gnat sticks fast.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/example-is-a-dangerous-lure-where-the-wasp-got-through-the-gnat/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [Neither wealth or greatness render us happy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/neither-wealth-or-greatness-render-us-happy/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [Love cries victory when the tears of a woman become the sole defence of her virtue.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/love-cries-victory-when-the-tears-of-a-woman-become-the-sole-defence/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/a-person-often-meets-his-destiny-on-the-road-he-took-to-avoid-it/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [You've tried to reform what will not learn. Shut doors on traits that you wish were dead; They will open a window and return.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/you-ve-tried-to-reform-what-will-not-learn-shut-doors-on-traits-that/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [We ought never to scoff at the wretched, for who can be sure of continued happiness?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/we-ought-never-to-scoff-at-the-wretched-for-who-can-be-sure-of/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [Such gluttony second to none Almost ended fatally When a bone choked a wolf as he gulped what he ate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/such-gluttony-second-to-none-almost-ended-fatally-when-a-bone-choked/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [Every flatterer lives at the expense of him who listens to him.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/every-flatterer-lives-at-the-expense-of-him-who-listens-to-him/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [Cats know not how to pardon.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/cats-know-not-how-to-pardon/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) > [The more wary you are of danger, the more likely you are to meet it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/the-more-wary-you-are-of-danger-the-more-likely-you-are-to-meet-it/) [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) [Explore all 166 Jean de La Fontaine quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) ## More Cat quotes > [That's the great secret of creativity. You treat ideas like cats: you make them follow you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ray-bradbury/that-s-the-great-secret-of-creativity-you-treat-ideas-like-cats-you/) [Ray Bradbury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ray-bradbury/) > [Okay, so I'll admit I'm curious. Big deal. We both know what that leads to. Dead cat.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-elizabeth-phillips/okay-so-i-ll-admit-i-m-curious-big-deal-we-both-know-what-that-leads/) [Susan Elizabeth Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-elizabeth-phillips/) > [Most people are sensitized to animals through their cats and dogs, but for me it was a flounder. I used to go fishing with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-mathews/most-people-are-sensitized-to-animals-through-their-cats-and-dogs-but/) [Dan Mathews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-mathews/) > [One reason why my memory decays is that I have three cats, all so loving and insistent that they play cat's-cradle with every train…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sylvia-townsend-warner/one-reason-why-my-memory-decays-is-that-i-have-three-cats-all-so/) [Sylvia Townsend Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sylvia-townsend-warner/) > [It's an interesting fact that fewer than 17 % of Real cats end their lives with the same name they started with. Much family…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-pratchett/it-s-an-interesting-fact-that-fewer-than-17-of-real-cats-end-their/) [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) > [The dog is guided by kindly instinct to the man or woman whose heart is open to his advances. The cat often leaves the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/agnes-repplier/the-dog-is-guided-by-kindly-instinct-to-the-man-or-woman-whose-heart/) [Agnes Repplier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/agnes-repplier/) > [If you ask me to tell you anything about the nature of what lies beyond the phaneron… my answer is “How should I know?”……](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-gardner/if-you-ask-me-to-tell-you-anything-about-the-nature-of-what-lies/) [Martin Gardner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-gardner/) > [Is man no more than this? Consider him well. Thou ow'st the worm no silk, the beast no hide, the sheep no wool, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/is-man-no-more-than-this-consider-him-well-thou-ow-st-the-worm-no/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [One cat just leads to another. The place is so damned big it doesn't really seem as though there were many cats until you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-hemingway/one-cat-just-leads-to-another-the-place-is-so-damned-big-it-doesn-t/) [Ernest Hemingway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-hemingway/) > [In the olden days in England, you could be hung for stealing a sheep or a loaf of bread. However, if a sheep stole…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-harding/in-the-olden-days-in-england-you-could-be-hung-for-stealing-a-sheep/) [Mike Harding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-harding/) > [Kittens can happen to anyone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-gallico/kittens-can-happen-to-anyone/) [Paul Gallico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-gallico/) > [I think if you keep the box closed long enough you do kill the cat, actually.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-green/i-think-if-you-keep-the-box-closed-long-enough-you-do-kill-the-cat/) [John Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-green/) > [“All right, you deadly little ghostlings,” I muttered. “Mama says go back to bed! - Cat”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeaniene-frost/all-right-you-deadly-little-ghostlings-i-muttered-mama-says-go-back/) [Jeaniene Frost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeaniene-frost/) > [Man wishes woman to be peaceable, but in fact she is essentially warlike, like the cat.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/man-wishes-woman-to-be-peaceable-but-in-fact-she-is-essentially/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [There are videos I used to take at home, pretending to be a newscaster, interviewing the teapot or my house cat.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-wagner/there-are-videos-i-used-to-take-at-home-pretending-to-be-a-newscaster/) [Alex Wagner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-wagner/) [Browse all 2,996 Cat quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cat/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "No favor can win gratitude from a cat.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jean de La Fontaine" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/no-favor-can-win-gratitude-from-a-cat/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Cat" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/no-favor-can-win-gratitude-from-a-cat/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a19/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_cat_no-favor-can-win-gratitude-from-a-cat-13_131339.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a19/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_cat_no-favor-can-win-gratitude-from-a-cat-13_131339.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a19/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_cat_no-favor-can-win-gratitude-from-a-cat-13_131339.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“No favor can win gratitude from a cat.” — Jean de La Fontaine", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Jean de La Fontaine", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "No favor can win gratitude from...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/no-favor-can-win-gratitude-from-a-cat/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-fontaine/no-favor-can-win-gratitude-from-a-cat/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```