
Ancient Egypt for Kids
Cats with Magical Powers
The ancient Egyptians had many pets. Some homes kept crocodiles as pets. But most people preferred birds or dogs as pets.
Nearly all homes had a cat. Cats caught rats and snakes and mice. But that was just a bonus. The ancient Egyptians did not worship cats, but they did believe that cats had magical powers. They believed cats guarded their children and their homes. It was against the law in ancient Egypt to harm a cat. If you killed a cat, the punishment could be death.
The ancient Egyptians used cats in their art and sculptures. When they did, cats were always pictured or positioned with respect.
The ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet had the head of a cat and the body of a woman. To the ancient Egyptians, Bastet was a protective, gentle goddess.
Why were cats mummified in ancient Egypt?

Explore Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt for Kids
Geography, History, Government
Two Lands,
Unification,
King Menes
The Many Uses of Papyrus & Making Paper
Time Keeping and Shadow Clocks
Daily Life
Animals
Religion - Mummies, Gods, Goddesses, Myths and More
Gods & Goddesses of Ancient Egypt
Many Religious and Joyous Festivals
Canopic Jars (also spelled Canpic)
Games
Inventions and Achievements
Interactive Quiz Questions with Answers about Ancient Egypt by Topic
Five Themes of Ancient Egypt Geography
Ancient Egypt Arts & Architecture
Ancient Egypt Science & Inventions
Ancient Egypt for Teachers
Activities and Projects for Ancient Egypt
Lesson Plans and Units for Ancient Egypt
Vocabulary Lists and Interactives with definitions
Games: Free Interactive online for Kids to learn more about Ancient Egypt