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Why were cats transported on ships by ancient sailors and Vikings?
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cat
Two kinds of domestic cats.
Ancient sailors and Vikings transported cats on their ships primarily to serve as a practical solution for pest control. By keeping these domesticated mammals on board, mariners were able to effectively manage and reduce populations of rats and mice that threatened food supplies and cargo.1
This practice was widespread among various seafaring cultures, facilitating the geographic expansion of cats across Africa and Eurasia. The historical significance of these animals is further reflected in cultural traditions, such as the Norse mythology surrounding the goddess Freyja, who was famously depicted traveling in a chariot pulled by two large cats.12