Bastet Egyptian Goddess of Protection

Bastet or Bast was one of the most popular goddess of ancient Egypt, generally thought of as a cat goddess although she originally had the head of a lion or desert sand cat. She is often shown holding the Ankh or the papyrus want, which represents the breath of life and lower Egypt, occasionally she will carry a Was scepter which symbolized strength and is often accompanied by a litter of kittens.
Cats are the sacred animal to Bastet, the ancient Egyptians placed great value on cats due to the protection they provided against vermin, the cats in Bastets temple were even mummified after death and presented to the goddess as offering.