The goddess of plenty and joy, the cat Bastet represents the protective aspect of female power. Bastet is the daughter of Ra, the Sun God. She is aligned with the lioness and also represents the attributes of ferocious protection. Bastet is associated with the home and dancing. The Egyptians found cats fascinating, even regarding them as godlike. Because cats were deeply respected, they were often mummified and even buried in great tombs with their owners.