If it would not be intrusive, I am curious which aspects of Bast (including but mostly in addition to cats) that drew you to them as a deity?
I have been looking for a relationship to help protect my own cats and aid in my life-long mission to protect as many as possible. However, like with all gods, there is much cultural context and many complexities or controversies to consider. I do not take such pacts lightly, but it is difficult parce certain religious beliefs and biased alone. It is not as if someone is going to hand me their pamphlet for Bast on the street.
I dont find this intrusive at all so don't worry about that, friend. Though maybe my answer will not be so helpful and will be too long because I dont know how to shut up, I will try.
Since I was young, very young, I was drawn to Egypt. History channel documentaries, those silly educational books with the interactive pages, even made my own canopic jar for a school project (that my mother so lovingly has kept for almost 20 years), anything to get more information of a place, of a time, I felt was home but will never see. I truly believe in a past life I danced in her temple, an offering of body and music and joy.
My mother's side of the family has practiced for so long we can't trace it all the way back (though my mother is surely trying). When I chose to follow my bloodline, Bast was already there, waiting for me to build my first altar. I went through the same thing you are now, doing my research and reaching out to see who was on the other side for me, but she called so loudly. So I answered.
I follow her for protection, for my home, my cats, my partner, and myself. I have a very low immune system, she protects against disease. Evil things are drawn to me like flies on shit, she protects me against those too. She is a goddess of health, of safety, and of home. A mother to her faithful, a mother willing to go to war and take on the pain of her children. A mother I wish to embody for my family, my friends, and anyone who needs it.
Now, I am still not a pamphlet and I will not tell you that you must listen, you must chose her, you must convert. What I will say is watch your signs. There are many deities that offer protection and many that are associated with cats. If I can be so bold, look to Freya as well. And nothing is stopping you from working with others even if make that pact with one. I also have an altar for Anubis, I have danced for Lucifer, and I have offered seashells to Poseidon, my partner's deity.
TLDR: you're already describing exactly what Bast does. You wish for protection, that is her whole deal. But don't think you *have* to. You are right to not take it lightly. I was called since childhood but its not the same for others. Go to who makes you happy, who you really feel the presence of, who offers what you want the most, and above all else respect those you do not chose.
(Im so damn nervous right now. I hope this is the answer you wanted.)
