Cats had a complex and often tumultuous history during the Middle Ages (roughly 5th to 15th century), characterized by shifting perceptions and beliefs that impacted their treatment and role in society. Here’s a breakdown of their journey through this period:

Early Middle Ages: Cats as Valuable Companions

In the early part of the Middle Ages, cats were primarily valued for their practical role. They were skilled hunters, keeping homes, barns, and ships free of mice and rats that spread disease and ruined food supplies. Farmers and sailors appreciated cats, and they were seen as useful animals for protecting food storage from pests.

Cats and Pagan Symbolism

In many pagan traditions, especially in Europe, cats had a strong connection to fertility, mystery, and magic. For example, in Norse mythology, the goddess Freyja—associated with love and fertility—was depicted riding in a chariot pulled by cats. The cat’s nocturnal habits and stealth also led to associations with mysticism and spiritual forces, which, in pre-Christian Europe, gave them a positive or neutral connotation.

The Rise of Christianity and Negative Perceptions

As Christianity spread across Europe, attitudes toward cats began to change, especially from the 13th century onward. Cats, particularly black cats, became linked with witchcraft, superstition, and the occult. The Church, in its efforts to eliminate pagan practices, began to associate cats with satanic forces. Their independence and nighttime activity contributed to their mysterious and sometimes feared reputation.

• Cats and Witches: Cats, often portrayed as familiars (supernatural entities that assist witches), were believed to be companions of witches or even witches in disguise. This association, largely fueled by superstition, led to widespread suspicion of cats, particularly in rural areas. During the Inquisition, anyone accused of witchcraft might also be linked to owning a cat, further deepening the animal's negative image.

Persecution of Cats

As the fear of witchcraft and the devil increased in the later Middle Ages, cats—especially black cats—were often hunted, killed, or burned alongside those accused of sorcery. This was especially true in parts of Europe during the 13th to 15th centuries. Cats were sometimes tortured or executed in public ceremonies, as they were thought to embody evil.

• Pope Gregory IX’s Edict: In 1233, Pope Gregory IX issued a papal bull called "Vox in Rama," which declared black cats to be an incarnation of Satan. This decree intensified the persecution of cats, particularly in regions heavily influenced by the Church’s authority.

The Bubonic Plague and the Irony of Cat Persecution

The mass killing of cats during the later Middle Ages, particularly in the 14th century, may have inadvertently contributed to the spread of the Bubonic Plague (Black Death), which devastated Europe between 1347 and 1351. With fewer cats to keep the rodent population in check, the number of rats (the primary carriers of the fleas that spread the plague) increased dramatically. Ironically, the cat’s natural role as a pest controller could have helped reduce the spread of the disease, but due to superstitions, their numbers had been reduced significantly.

6. Later Middle Ages: Gradual Shift in Attitudes

By the late Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, attitudes toward cats began to soften somewhat. Though still associated with witchcraft in some places, their practical role in controlling pests remained valued. Additionally, in some parts of Europe, particularly among the nobility, cats started to be seen as luxurious pets. Paintings and literature from the 15th century onward depict cats in more favorable light, indicating that their reputation was beginning to recover.

 

Summary of Key Points

• Early Middle Ages: Cats were valued for their usefulness as rodent hunters and sometimes had religious or mystical associations in pagan cultures.
• Christian Influence: As Christianity spread, cats became increasingly linked to witchcraft and Satanism, leading to widespread fear and persecution.
• Witch Hunts: Cats, especially black ones, were persecuted alongside people accused of witchcraft, seen as evil omens or familiars.
• Bubonic Plague: The killing of cats may have worsened the plague due to the unchecked rodent population.
• Late Middle Ages: While still linked to superstition, cats started to regain some of their positive status by the end of the period.

The cat's history during the Middle Ages is a reflection of the era’s broader struggles with fear, superstition, and changing religious beliefs. While cats were often misunderstood and mistreated during this time, they ultimately survived these challenges and regained their place as beloved companions in the centuries that followed.