As brave hunters, fierce warriors, and independent creatures, cats can make excellent companions for any community. If you think about it, the determined and fearless Vikings—who shared similar qualities—were remarkably like cats themselves. In fact, in many life situations, they likely benefited from the presence of these animals.

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By studying Norse mythology, we come across a multitude of cat-related tales that give us a rough idea of the relationship between the daring and capable Vikings and the free-spirited feline.

Norwegian Forest Cat

The Most Colorful Cat Mythology Belongs to the Norse

Various animals frequently appear in Viking stories—from Odin’s ravens (Huginn and Muninn) to Loki’s offspring, the wolf Fenrir. Perhaps the most significant and well-known cats in old Scandinavian myths were the ones that pulled the chariot of Freyja, the goddess of fertility, death, war, and love. The cat was also Freyja’s sacred animal, so it’s no surprise that many believed being kind to cats and maintaining a good relationship with them could win the favor and support of the goddess.

Cats appear in other mythological scenarios as well. Jörmungandr, another son of Loki (what a mischievous character he was!), is a massive serpent. In one tale, Thor is challenged to lift the cat of the giants during a contest. In reality, Jörmungandr had transformed himself into a cat to deceive Thor.

It is also believed that the magical chain Gleipnir—crafted by dwarves to restrain the wolf Fenrir—contained an element related to cats: among its six magical ingredients was “the sound of a cat’s footfall.”

They Also Appear in Scandinavian Folktales

Cats feature in Scandinavian folktales too. In one story, a cat helps a poor man and eventually asks him to cut off its head. When the man complies, the cat transforms into a beautiful princess whom he then marries.

These are just a few of their many appearances, but they clearly show that cats were regarded as positive and revered creatures in Norse culture.

Freyja

The Migration of Cats to Scandinavia

In Old Norse, the word for cat was köttr, which has evolved into katt in modern Scandinavian languages. The Norwegian Forest Cat—naturally evolved without human intervention and a central figure in many old tales—was originally known as Skogkatt, meaning "forest cat."

There are several theories about how domestic cats reached Norway. What is certain is that all domestic cats descend from the same species, Felis catus, which originated in Mesopotamia—the cradle of civilization.

DNA studies suggest there were two waves of cat migration. The first brought them from the Middle East to Europe and Africa; the second wave occurred when cats traveled by boat from Egypt to various parts of the world, including Scandinavia.

While we don’t know exactly when cats first appeared in the region, evidence suggests they began to spread during the Iron Age, with their presence becoming prominent during the Viking Age. Despite their legendary portrayal as giants, there’s no proof that Viking cats were especially large—in fact, they were likely smaller. According to a study published in The Danish Journal of Archaeology, cats have grown by about 16% in size since the Middle Ages.

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Cats Were Multifunctional Wedding Gifts in Viking Life

Cat remains found at Viking settlements suggest they kept cats, though likely not just as pets. When not raiding or pillaging, Vikings spent much time farming. Since rats were a serious problem in Scandinavia, Viking cats probably played a vital role in protecting stored crops.

Some experts believe that cats were also given as wedding gifts to brides—symbolizing love and referencing Freyja. Naturally, they were also helpful in the new household as rodent hunters. Genetic research confirms that cats were even brought aboard Viking ships to protect cargo from pests. And since Freyja was not only the goddess of love and fertility but also of war, cats may have been seen as good omens in battle as well.

Their Fur Was Also Needed

We must also touch on a rather sensitive topic: the importance of cat fur to the Vikings. Due to the harsh climate, they needed fur for warmth and protection. Archaeological evidence shows they often traded in furs—of seals, goats, wolves, and cats. Of course, it’s impossible to know whether they waited for cats to die naturally or killed them for their pelts. However, at a site in Odense, the remains of 68 cats were found in a well, and analysis indicates that their deaths were not natural.