Who is the Egyptian goddess of cats, protection, and fertility?

The story behind the answer

Bastet is the Egyptian goddess most closely linked to cats, household protection, and fertility. Usually shown as a cat or a woman with a cat’s head, she guarded homes, pregnant women, and children, and was invoked to ward off disease and venomous threats—qualities Egyptians associated with vigilant, protective cats.

Her cult center was Bubastis, where joyous festivals honored her, and cats were revered and even mummified. Historically, Bastet evolved from a fiercer lioness aspect into the gentler domestic cat, distinguishing her from Sekhmet (lioness of war), Hathor (love and music), and Isis (magic and kingship). Memory tip: Bastet—think “basket of kittens”—the caring, home-guarding goddess.