What kind of cats did they worship in Egypt? - briefly
The ancient Egyptians primarily revered the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), which was domesticated and symbolized protection, fertility, and grace.
What kind of cats did they worship in Egypt? - in detail
In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and held sacred status, particularly the Felis silvestris catus, the domestic cat species. The Egyptians worshipped cats not only for their practical role in controlling pests like rodents and snakes but also for their symbolic associations with divinity and protection. The most prominent feline deity was Bastet, often depicted as a lioness or a woman with the head of a cat. Bastet symbolized home, fertility, and protection, and her worship was centered in the city of Bubastis. Another significant feline figure was Sekhmet, a warrior goddess depicted as a lioness, representing power, destruction, and healing. Cats were so highly regarded that harming or killing one, even accidentally, was considered a grave offense punishable by law. When a cat died, it was often mummified and buried with great ceremony, reflecting the deep spiritual connection Egyptians felt toward these animals. The reverence for cats extended beyond their physical form, embodying qualities of grace, mystery, and guardianship, which were integral to Egyptian religious and cultural life.