Why did the ancient Egyptians worship cats?

The ancient Egyptians had a complex and fascinating religion that involved the worship of many deities, some of which were associated with animals. One of the most famous animal-associated deities was Bastet, the goddess of protection, fertility, and motherhood. Bastet was often depicted as a woman with the head of a cat, or as a full-bodied cat.

The Egyptians believed that cats were sacred animals and that they had a special relationship with the divine. Cats were often kept as pets in Egyptian households, and the killing of a cat, even by accident, was considered a serious crime punishable by death. When a cat died, it was often mummified and buried with great care and respect.

The worship of cats in ancient Egypt was also influenced by their ability to protect crops from rodents, such as mice and rats. This made them valuable to farmers and led to their widespread popularity.