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Cats were worshiped in Ancient Egypt. The domesticated cat, known as Mau, was viewed as a symbol of grace and poise and was often mummified just like humans. Cats were so sacred that killing one, even accidentally, could be punishable by death. Source Source 2 Source 3

A mummified cat

Cat’s Head, 30 BC to third century AD Bronze, gold. Brooklyn Museum.

A bronze statue of the cat goddess Bastet

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