Wanton [frolicsome] Kitlins may make sober old Cats.
[1732 T. Fuller Gnomologia no. 5415]
Wanton kittens make douce [sedate] cats.
[1832 A. Henderson Scottish Proverbs 97]
Wanton kittens may make sober cats.
[1855 H. G. Bohn Hand-Book of Proverbs 551]
I was fleshy‥in my youth. Carnal. But wanton kittens make sober cats.
[1975 J. O'faolain Women in Wall i.]
Related to: youth
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
