a cat handles it

www.metmuseum.org.  gift of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904

At some point from 664-30 B.C., a cat took up watch on this vessel handle in ancient Egypt.  Crafted from cupreous (copper-based) metals, this little guardian has mellowed to a plush finish; here's another view.

see above, www.metmuseum.org

This piece belongs to The Met, and its collection page suggests it was part of an offering to Bastet, a goddess whose alertness and power was on an approachable scale.  You wouldn't own a lion to catch your household mice, so you might not choose lion-headed Sekhmet for your daily troubles.  Bastet, fierce yet friendly and fond of a comfortable and happy house, was the goddess for you.