What made cats a symbolic part of Egyptian culture?

In ancient Egypt, cats were revered as near-royalty, embodying grace, cunning, and pest control. Beyond practical uses, they symbolized protection, fertility, and divine power, linked to the goddess Bastet. Cats were honored with lavish adornments, depicted in art, and even mummified, reflecting their cherished status in Egyptian culture and the afterlife.

What made cats a symbolic part of Egyptian culture?
In ancient Egypt, cats were revered as near-royalty, embodying grace, cunning, and pest control. Beyond practical uses, they symbolized protection, fertility, and divine power, linked to the goddess Bastet. Cats were honored with lavish adornments, depicted in art, and even mummified, reflecting their cherished status in Egyptian culture and the afterlife.