Why were cats exterminated in Europe? - briefly
Cats were exterminated in Europe during the Middle Ages due to widespread superstitions associating them with witchcraft and the devil, leading to mass killings and a decline in their population.
Why were cats exterminated in Europe? - in detail
In medieval Europe, cats faced widespread extermination due to a combination of superstition, religious beliefs, and societal fears. During the 13th to 15th centuries, cats, particularly black ones, became heavily associated with witchcraft and the devil. This association was fueled by the Catholic Church, which viewed cats as symbols of paganism and evil. Pope Gregory IX’s papal bull "Vox in Rama" in 1233 explicitly linked cats to heretical practices, further cementing their negative reputation. Cats were often believed to be familiars of witches, aiding them in their supposed malevolent deeds. This led to mass killings of cats, especially during witch hunts, where they were burned, tortured, or otherwise exterminated alongside those accused of witchcraft.
Another factor contributing to the persecution of cats was the widespread belief that they were carriers of disease. During the Black Death in the 14th century, cats were erroneously blamed for spreading the plague, despite evidence that rats and their fleas were the primary vectors. The reduction in the cat population inadvertently allowed rodent populations to thrive, potentially exacerbating the spread of the disease. Additionally, cats were sometimes seen as pests themselves, accused of stealing food or being a nuisance, which further justified their elimination in some communities.
The extermination of cats had significant ecological and societal consequences. With fewer cats to control rodent populations, Europe experienced increased infestations of rats and mice, which not only contributed to the spread of disease but also damaged crops and stored food supplies. Over time, as scientific understanding advanced and superstitions waned, cats began to regain their status as useful and even beloved animals. By the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, their role in controlling pests and their companionship were increasingly appreciated, leading to their gradual rehabilitation in European society.