Goddess Shashthi, the protector and benefactor of children, is often symbolized riding a cat.
Bastet is probably the best-known feline goddess from Egypt. Initially depicted as a lioness, Bastet assumed the image of a cat or a feline-headed woman in the 2nd millennium BCE. Although she combined both nurturing and violent qualities, her shielding and motherly aspects typically were emphasized.
The goddess Durga's vahana (vehicle) is usually depicted as a great cat, but just what kind of cat is often unclear.
Bastet, also called Bast, ancient Egyptian goddess worshiped in the form of a lioness and later a cat.
Cats are still sacred animals
That said, in Hinduism all of life is sacred. This means a cat is still somewhat of a sacred animal. That's why it's a sin to kill a cat. Because of their great hunting skills cats are also allowed to visit different homes to get rid of unwanted rodents.
Cats are also considered as the worshipful animal in Hinduism, since cat is the vehicle of Mata Shasti Devi, a female incarnation of Lord Muruga, who is worshipped mainly in North India, for child birth and for protecting the children. She is also considered to be Devasena, the consort of Lord Muruga.
Nandi, which means “giving delight” or “giving joy,” is the sacred bull of the Hindu god Shiva, one of the most important Hindu gods. When the world becomes evil, Shiva destroys it to make way for beneficial change. Nandi is Shiva's animal form, his means of transportation, and his most ardent worshiper.
Bastet, a prominent cat goddess from Ancient Egypt, is probably the most famous of all the cat gods. You've likely seen images of her in her most common form, with the head of a cat and the body of a woman. Her physical, earthly form, is entirely feline.
Dubbed the 'cat who owned Plymouth', Zeus was a prevalent figure around Peverell looking for attention and affection.
According to the legend, the Demon Cat conspires to frighten unsuspecting people. Other times, the Demon Cat's appearance has been considered a prophecy of impending disaster or tragedy. The Demon Cat is also sometimes known as simply “D.C.”
Pashupati another name for Lord Shiva is not just the God of Cats but all animals . Lord Pashupati (Lord Shiva) is the guardian of all beings. That INCLUDES cats.
She is also known as the Goddess of the Moon and was thought to be the eye of the moon and the eye of Ra. Bastet is still worshipped today and her protection is believed by some to be cast over modern cats.
Ancient Times, Egyptian Theology and Cats
Bastet, also known as Bast, is associated with the Goddess Isis. Isis is often depicted as a female goddess accompanied by black cats.
The Greeks sometimes equated Bastet with one of their goddesses, Artemis. Bastet was depicted by Egyptians with the head of a cat and the slender body of a woman.
Bastet, Goddess of Protection
Bastet is the Egyptian goddess of the home, domesticity, women's secrets, cats, fertility, and childbirth. She protected the home from evil spirits and disease, especially diseases associated with women and children.
Grumpy Cat is quite possibly one of the most famous cats in history.
The cats were a gift from Thor, and she used them to travel to the funeral of Baldur, her estranged son. The cat was Freya's sacred animal and she would reportedly bless those who were kind to them. Often if a wedding coincided with fine weather, the bride was said to have 'fed the cat well'.
In ancient Greece, cats were venerated and considered as divine beings. Some Olympian gods had cats as companions. The Greek god of war Ares: had a cat as a companion. The Greek goddess Artemis: cats were associated with her because they were considered hunting animals and guardians of nature.
Félicette, the only cat to have ever survived a sojourn into space, is now being recognized for her extraterrestrial achievements in the form of a bronze statue at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France.
Anubis was said to have a human body but the head of a jackal.
Cats (along with bats, owls and toads) were believed to be witches' companions who aided in spells and carried messages to the Devil. During the tragically widespread witch trials of 16th and 17th century Europe, feline "familiars" were burned, hung, and drowned alongside their mistresses.
The lamb was strongly associated with religious sacrifices in the ancient Near East, and was adopted as a symbol of Christ and his sacrifice on behalf of humanity.
Muslims traditionally slaughter animals such as sheep, goats, buffalo, cattle, and camels on a sacred day to commemorate the mercy of Allah, who spared Prophet Ibrahim from having to kill his son, Ishmael. Muslims around the world gather on Eid al-Adha to sacrifice their livestock [2].
The sacred Durga Saptashati, which is recited on the occasion of Navratras, clearly mentions the cheetah as the vehicle of Goddess Durga. Grace, strength, agility, and immense power. This combination has given cheetahs a reputation in Indian culture.