Cats, Dogs & Vikings: Furry Companions of the North

Updated on October 15, 2025

When you picture a Viking, you probably imagine longships, swords, and stormy seas—not whiskers or wagging tails. But believe it or not, both cats and dogs were very much a part of Viking life. From sacred mythology to everyday chores, these furry companions played a surprisingly important role in Norse culture. Let’s dive into the (adorable) history of how cats and dogs were a part of the Norse Viking age society—and why they were more than just pretty faces.

Cats and Dogs in Norse Mythology

In Norse mythology, cats weren’t just pets—they were divine. Two massive cats—likely lynxes or large forest cats—was said to pull the goddess Freyja's chariot. These magical felines weren’t your average lap cat. They symbolized mystery, independence, and power. Treating cats well was believed to earn Freyja’s favor, which could bring good fortune to your harvest, home, or voyage. Dogs and wolves also held sacred places in Norse stories. Garm was the giant dog, or wolf, guarding the gates of Hel, the underworld and Odin had two volves, Geri and Freki. Fenrir, the monstrous wolf and son of Loki, was destined to play a key role in Ragnarök—the end of the world. Runestones and Viking-Age artifacts often depict dogs or wolves, symbolizing loyalty, strength, and protection.

Everyday Helpers in Viking Homes

Beyond the myths, cats and dogs were highly valued for their skills. Viking longhouses stored food like grains, fish, and dried goods which meant it was a paradise for rats and mice. Cats were the frontline defenders of the pantry. Their presence helped protect food supplies, maintain hygiene, and even prevent disease. Archaeologists have found both cat and dog bones buried near Viking homes in places like Birka (Sweden) and York (England). In an excavation in Norway, they found the remains of a small dog, buried next to the feet of a high born woman. The presence of small dogs, such as Swedish Vallhund— likely an ancestor to todays Corgis—in graves from the Viking Age shows that dogs were not only appreciated for their ability to herd or guard, but also as cherished pets. They were, alongside cats, even seen as spiritual equals to humans, according to some historians.

Seafaring Companions

Evidence shows that cats and dogs—as well as horses—joined the Norse Men at sea when they went on their raids. A 2017 genetic study published in Nature found domestic cat DNA along Viking trade routes suggesting they traveled with seafarers. Some believe they were brought on ships to control vermin and provide a sense of comfort during long voyages. In Heath Wood, England, they have found pyre graves with remains from Scandinavian dogs, which they think were used as guard dogs during the raiding expeditions. Perhaps future Viking films will finally give our four-legged heroes the screen time they deserve!

From Ancient Guardians to Modern Royalty

Today, our cats still act like they run the place, and we see our dogs are seen as the loyal companions that never betray us. Whether curled up in longhouses or perched on Norse men's lap, cats and dogs were loyal, useful, and sacred in the Norse world. So next time your cat stares into the distance like they know something you don’t, or your dog gazes at you with those wise eyes—just remember: they’ve been mysterious and majestic for over a thousand years.

Keeping the Viking Pet Spirit Alive

At Viking Creatures Co, we like to think we’re keeping that legacy alive—celebrating the ancient bond between humans and their furry companions—with a humorous twist. Some, like “Mjölnir? No, This Is Meownir”, draw from Norse mythology, while others like “Vinland 1021 – I Miss My Meatballs” and “Viking Pushing His Bulldog in a Shopping Cart” bring Viking spirit into modern life. Perfect for pet lovers with a taste for history—and humor.

Explore the collection:

https://www.vikingcreatures.com/products/mjolnir-no-this-is-meownir-viking-cat-t-shirt

https://www.vikingcreatures.com/products/i-miss-my-meatballs-viking-dog-t-shirt

https://www.vikingcreatures.com/products/viking-pushing-his-bulldog-in-a-shopping-cart-t-shirt

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Sources:

• Davidson, H.R. Ellis. Gods and Myths of Northern Europe (1964)
• Fenrisulven - Historiska Media. https://historiskamedia.se/artiklar/fenrisulven/?srsltid=AfmBOoqNjv0hDlOIIr-fQsPSYT_lIgfgjdJvlbDS-__20RY2vHAphIs4
• Fransson, Ulla et al. “Cat Remains from Viking Age and Medieval Sites in Sweden.” Journal of Archaeological Science, 2016
• Gravarna avslöjar: Vikingar tog med sig djur till England | SVT Nyheter. https://www.svt.se/nyheter/vetenskap/gravarna-avslojar-vikingar-tog-med-sig-djur-till-england
• Ottoni, C. et al. “The Paleogenetics of Cat Dispersal in the Ancient World.” Nature Ecology & Evolution, 2017
• The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson
• Vikings had a completely different relationship to animals than we have today. https://www.sciencenorway.no/animal-world-animals-history/vikings-had-a-completely-different-relationship-to-animalsthan-
  we-have-today/1870776