When we picture the Middle Ages, we often imagine knights, castles, and bustling marketplaces, not cozy homes filled with pets.
Yet people in medieval Europe did keep animals for companionship, though their idea of pets differed from ours. From noble lapdogs to monastery cats, animals played complex roles in daily life that blended affection, symbolism, and practicality.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Historical interpretations are based on records, art, and scholarly research, and may vary depending on region and period.
Pets Of The Nobility
Among Europe’s upper classes, pets were a mark of wealth and refinement. Ladies in noble courts often kept lapdogs, small breeds like greyhounds, spaniels, or early toy breeds, which appeared frequently in medieval paintings and tapestries.
These dogs weren’t just beloved companions; they also symbolized loyalty and purity. Some were even buried with their owners or depicted in tomb carvings as eternal companions, showing just how deeply these bonds ran through generations of aristocratic families.
Falconry As Elite Companionship
Falconry was another elite pastime that blended sport with genuine affection. Falcons, hawks, and other birds of prey were trained for hunting, but they were also treated with great care and devotion by their handlers.
A noble’s bird could accompany them everywhere, serving both as a status symbol and a trusted partner in the field. The time spent training and bonding with these magnificent creatures created relationships that went far beyond simple utility.
Cats: Companions And Controversy
Cats had a complicated reputation in the Middle Ages. Monks and scholars valued them for keeping manuscripts and storerooms free of mice, and many monasteries quietly welcomed cats for this reason.
However, superstition sometimes linked cats, especially black ones, to witchcraft and misfortune, particularly in later medieval centuries. Still, art and records show that many people kept cats as companions, admired for their independence and quiet nature in both towns and religious houses.
Working Animals With A Personal Bond
For peasants and commoners, animals were essential for survival. Dogs, horses, donkeys, and birds were valued primarily for work or utility, yet emotional bonds still formed between humans and their hardworking partners.
A farmer might share their cottage with a loyal sheepdog, while children often kept tame birds or rabbits. Written accounts mention people naming and mourning their animals, a clear sign of affection that transcended class boundaries and economic necessity.
Symbolism And Sentiment
Animals in the Middle Ages often carried spiritual and symbolic meanings that shaped how people viewed them. Dogs represented fidelity, cats symbolized independence or cunning, and birds were seen as messengers between heaven and earth.
Pet ownership was sometimes tied to moral lessons, a faithful dog, for example, reflected the virtues of loyalty and devotion prized in Christian teachings. This symbolic layer added depth to the human-animal relationships that developed throughout medieval society.
Children And Small Creatures
Young people in medieval times found joy in keeping small animals much like children do today. Rabbits, songbirds, and even squirrels became cherished companions for youngsters across social classes.
These creatures required less food and space than larger animals, making them practical choices for families. Parents often allowed these friendships to flourish, recognizing that caring for a living creature taught responsibility and provided comfort during a time when childhood could be harsh and unpredictable.
A Medieval Kind Of Love
While medieval people didn’t pamper their pets with toys or special diets, they did form deep attachments. Historical letters, poetry, and art reveal genuine affection for animals, the same emotional connection that defines pet ownership today.
Whether guarding homes, warming laps, or accompanying monks through long hours of study, these animals offered companionship in a time long before the modern idea of pets took shape. Love transcends centuries, it seems.
Regional Differences In Pet Keeping
Pet ownership varied widely across medieval Europe depending on climate, culture, and local customs. Southern regions might favour songbirds kept in cages, while northern areas saw more working dogs that doubled as companions.
Urban dwellers in growing cities kept smaller animals suited to cramped quarters, whereas rural folk had space for larger creatures. These regional preferences reflected both practical considerations and cultural traditions that shaped how different communities viewed the animals sharing their lives.
