The ancient Egyptians kept a variety of pets and sacred animals, including birds like falcons which were associated with a hawk god, geese which functioned as watchdogs, and turtle doves. More unusual pets included gazelles which slept by fires, lions owned only by royalty, and monkeys kept on leashes. They also had mongooses which accompanied hunts and more typical pets like dogs for hunting and cats connected to the god Ra though some were sacrificed. Several Egyptian gods were associated with animals such as bulls, baboons, and crocodiles.