That Surströmming actually sounds sort of reminiscent of the condiment of choice of ancient Roman times known as "Garum" or "Liquimen" (see:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garum), which was similar to the fermented fish or oyster sauces often used in Asian cuisines. It was kinda like Ancient Roman ketchup in its ubiquitousness. Our household actually goes through a lot of that savory Asian stuff. A couple of dashes on the soles of an annoying person's shoes, and they'll soon freak out as every cat in the neighborhood commences following them around in herds.
Ranging even further out towards that far peg of the Foulness Meter has got to be that related Icelandic specialty "Hákarl", or fermented shark. That's gotta be some kinda legacy Viking dare: so nasty that the late chef Anthony Bourdain once derided it as "the single worst, most disgusting and terrible tasting thing", and that from a fellow who once snacked on a grilled warthog anus. A chunklet of THAT spew in one's loafers, and kitty goes all "nerve gassy"...
"Your footwear is both fascinating and repellent!"