«اِلْقُطِّ يْحِب خَنَّاقُهْ»

The image is of a cat that clings to the person who grips it by the throat. Applied to people, it mocks a base or ignoble character who is drawn to whoever harms and humiliates him, showing devotion to the one who treats him worst. A negated variant, that the cat loves none but its strangler, sharpens the point.

The implied corollary is that such a person responds to harshness with respect and to generosity with rebellion. Treat him gently and he grows insolent; keep him under pressure and he becomes obliging, as if his nature accepted being put down. This scornful judgment describes a perceived pattern, never a justification for mistreating anyone.

Used disparagingly, and insultingly, about someone judged to be mean-spirited, who fawns over whoever bullies or degrades them while repaying kindness with defiance. It suits critical remarks on servile or ungrateful behavior, not affectionate teasing.