Felines have been worshiped for centuries for various reasons. The Egyptians domesticated them as they protected their crops from mice and other pests, and were seen as good mothers.
In the Americas, cats were both feared and admired for their power and were part of religious practices that were earth-centered and full of animal symbolism.
Such admiration and worship of cats has been seen in Ancient Egypt (Bast, Maahes, Sekmeht), Ancient Greece, Ancient Nubia, Assyria, India, Scandinavia, the Americas, and even somewhat in Christianity.
It's very much a case of big cat, little cat. The large wild cats were personifications of power and warfare, while domesticated cats were associated with hearth and home.
Some things never change.