The Egyptian Goddess Bastet

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of cats and those who cared for them.

The domestic cat became highly regarded by Egyptian civilization as an animal of wonder. Originating between five and six thousand years ago. The Egyptians found cats fascinating, even regarding them as godlike. Because cats were deeply respected, they were often mummified and even buried in great tombs with their owners. In Egyptian society it was considered a high crime to kill a cat, punishable by death. Families owning cats made sure they received attention and respect. Deep respect was given to cats even after they died. Whenever a household cat died, the entire family would go through a period of grief, shaving their eyebrows to mark their sadness. Deceased cats were very often mummified and entombed with fine jewelry and treasures; a custom usually reserved for only the most powerful and wealthy. Mummified rats and mice have even been found in cats' tombs, signaling the Egyptian belief in a cat afterlife.

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