Why do we need more than one way to skin a cat?

Question

People have said this for eons "more than one way to skin a cat." As a methophor for more than one right way to do things. But where does the saying come from. When was there a time when we needed many ways to skin a cat. To me it seems that one way is one more than I will ever use.

Answer 1

You're correct in what it means, Derek, I hate that saying! Who knows where those expressions originate? I think it's a pretty poor expression, myself. However, we do have the power to introduce more modern and (humane) sayings. Let's try something like, "There's more than one way to download an MP3." (At least I think there is:)

Answer 2

I've used this phrase myself more than once and it is useful it defusing a situation where one person thinks their way of doing something is the only way and the right way....so it allows for variety and expression of personality.
There is also the expression 'hardly room to swing a cat' meaning very small...but no one would actually think of swinging a cat round in the room to prove it!
So I think it is a similar usage...never meant except metaphorically!

Answer 3

I never really thought about that saying before, but it does seem kinda crazy.

I think the term comes from fishermen, who refer to catfish. That doesn't really explain what my grandmother says though, which is “there are more ways of killing a cat than choking it with cream.”

Answer 4

what in the world could your grandmother have meant by that? It seems the opposite of the "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" saying..

Answer 5

because the are more than one kind of cat.