Cats were valued in medieval times for controlling rodents that infested homes, castles, and ships, helping to prevent the spread of disease.
They were also seen as symbols of good luck and protection. Cats were often kept in monasteries to protect valuable manuscripts from mice.
In medieval art, cats were depicted as both domestic companions and mystical creatures, often associated with witches and magic.
Some medieval superstitions believed that black cats were omens of bad luck, while others thought they brought good fortune.
Despite superstitions, cats were generally well-regarded and kept as pets by nobility and commoners alike in medieval Europe.
Their role in controlling pests and providing companionship made cats indispensable in medieval society.