Cats were a big thing in Egyptian society. Known to them as “Mau”, they worshipped cats, praising them for their ability to control pests, and the felines had become a symbol of grace and poise. One cat goddess, Mafdet, had the head of a lion and was the deity of justice and execution. Soon however the cult of Mafdet was replaced by the cult of Bast, or Bastet. Bastet's image became softer and eventually represented fertility, protection, and motherhood.
As Bast became a popular figure in Egypt, cats began to be regularly mummified, as they were sacred to her. Other examples of cat reverence include the fact that when fires started, men would bar it off to prevent cats from walking near it; families would shave their eyebrows to mourn the loss of their cat; death penalties were also incurred for the murder of a cat, regardless if it was accidental.
As Bast became a popular figure in Egypt, cats began to be regularly mummified, as they were sacred to her. Other examples of cat reverence include the fact that when fires started, men would bar it off to prevent cats from walking near it; families would shave their eyebrows to mourn the loss of their cat; death penalties were also incurred for the murder of a cat, regardless if it was accidental.