Yǒu māo, bù zhī māo gōngláo; wú māo, cái zhī lǎoshǔ duō.

有貓不知貓功勞, 無貓才知老鼠多。

Lit [While the] cat is there, [one does] not notice its meritorious service; only when the cat is gone, [does one] realize [that the number of] mice has increased.

Fig One never truly appreciates (the services rendered by) others until they are gone.

Note [See also chuān wà bù zhī above and jǐng gān cái zhī below.]

Topics APPRECIATION RECOGNITION SERVICE