Literal translation for this proverb could be “Chat burned in hot water runs when it sees cold water.”

In Haiti, people have cats in their house or property for many reasons. Because cats eat mice, rats, cockroaches, lizards, snakes etc., some people have them as protection against these. Others have them because of their love for animals or personal attraction to them. Some other people breed them as meat or to sell to others. (Yes, you read that right. Some people in Haiti eat cat meat.)

Cats do not really get along with water here. They tend to run away when it’s raining or anywhere water is.

Haitian people say this proverb to explain why people are careful to trust, compromise, love, etc. after being hurt in the past even though the new opportunity, person, or event is real and sincere. They say this after a disappointment because people are less flexible to engage themselves in similar situations.