Cat of Bubastis

The Cat of Bubastis was an ancient Egyptian goddess associated with fertility, music, dance, and joy, often depicted as a lion or as a woman with a feline head. She was worshipped in the city of Bubastis (modern-day Tell Basta) and symbolized protection and the fierce, yet nurturing aspects of cats. Cats were highly revered in Egyptian culture, and her followers celebrated her with festivals, emphasizing her role as a guardian and bringer of happiness. The reverence for her reflects the importance placed on cats in their society, both spiritually and practically, as protectors of homes and crops.