When we think of Vikings, we may conjure up images of brave sea-faring explorers, of traders and raiders who donned fur garments and horned helmets. We rarely think much about their pets, but our ancient Norwegian brothers and sisters had pets just like you and I do: Viking cats called scogkatts, more commonly known as Norwegian Forest Cats or “wegies” for short. (1)
Overview of the Viking Cat
For thousands of years, humans have lived side by side with four-leggeds, inviting them into our families and treating them with the same reverence we regard any human loved one. Viking cats existed on ships, on farms, and even in homes with early Scandinavians as far back as 4,000 years ago. To the Vikings, cats were particularly important. On long voyages, their furry feline companions maintained mouse-free ships, which helped prevent the spread of diseases. Fewer mice in homes and on ships also meant fewer mouse droppings and a more hygienic living environment. (1)
Appearance
These beautiful creatures boast an unusually thick coat and strong muscles. The dense fur keeps them warm and dry on even the most bitter cold oceanic adventures. Likewise, their stocky build allows them to maintain strength and hunting prowess in challenging conditions. They look and behave similarly to the popular Maine Coon breed of cats, indicating they could be distant relatives. (1)
Characteristics
With friendly and outgoing personalities, wegies are more than just helpful hunting companions; they make for affectionate, loving family members as well. Compared to most pet cats, Norwegian Forest Cats are more dog-like in their demeanor. In fact, some people have even click-trained their wegies to sit, come, and stay. What’s more, these Viking cats are talkative, meowing at their humans with regularity as though they are engaged in real conversation. Because this breed once needed to scale excessive heights and accomplish a variety of hunting feats, they tend to climb surprisingly high. (1)
Domesticated Pets Through the Ages
The Vikings were not the first people to enjoy relationships with pets, however. Our ancestors have benefitted from domesticated animals for at least 12,000 years: (2)
Dogs: Why are dogs so incredibly loyal, obedient, and easy to live with? Perhaps because they are among the first non-human creatures to live with us. Evidence from cave paintings in Iraq proves that dogs have been central to our lives for at least 12,000 years. Dogs have stood by us as we hunted, farmed, built shelters, and moved to cities, so it’s no wonder that today, around the globe, dogs serve as our best friends and family members.
Farm Animals: Sheep, goats, pigs, and cows were herded in the middle east as far back 9,000 or more years. Once we learned how to tame these animals, we were able to settle down in villages, towns, and eventually cities, no longer dependent upon a nomadic hunting lifestyle to survive.
Horses: Although a subject of artistry for tens of millennia, horses were not tamed until 5,000-3,000 years ago. To this day, horses remain part wild, part domestic.
Cats: Cats have a reputation for being a bit more impetuous and less tame than dogs, difficult if not impossible to train. They have been domesticated for only one-quarter of the length of time as dogs, so their comparative wildness makes sense.
Benefits of Living with Animals
Our Viking ancestors knew then what we know today: Humans are drawn to living with four-legged animals for good reason. Pets might just improve our physical and mental wellbeing, even reducing stress and loneliness. Companion animals are undeniably important, playing a central role in human existence. (3)
