Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Cats were genuinely revered in ancient times. The ancient Egyptians venerated a pantheon of over 2,000 deities, among them were cats. In ancient Egypt, where dogs were esteemed for their protective prowess, yet cats held a special status. Known as 'Mau' after our distinctive vocalisation, cats were believed to possess mystical powers, bestowing fortune upon those who harboured them. This belief persists to this day. Wealthy families adorned their cherished felines with jewels and regaled them with sumptuous treats, akin to royalty. In Egyptian folklore, deities could assume animal forms, with only Bastet, the feline goddess, embodying a cat. In Per-Bast, a grand temple stood and is drawing pilgrims from afar to honour cats.
Mafdet, depicted with a feline visage, safeguarded the king's chambers from serpents and malevolence, embodying strength and justice. The cat's ancestors were revered as powerful beings, basked in the sun's radiance, ready to defend against any who dared challenge them. Initially, cats found their way into Egyptian agricultural settlements, offering respite from pest infestations. In return for food offerings, cats provided invaluable pest control, fostering symbiosis between species.