The earliest known record of a pet with a name dates back more than 3,450 years to ancient Egypt. The cat was called Nedjem, a name that translates to “Sweet One” or simply “Sweetie.”
Nedjem belonged to Puimre, a high-ranking official who served as the Second Priest of Amun and oversaw temple estates and religious ceremonies at Karnak Temple.
The cat’s name appears in Puimre’s decorated tomb at the Theban Necropolis, where Nedjem is shown beneath a chair, a common artistic way of depicting beloved household pets.
The name Nedjem (ndm) means “Sweet One,” “Pleasant One,” or “Delightful One.” It was also used as a personal name in ancient Egypt, suggesting it was an affectionate and familiar term rather than one reserved for animals.
Nedjem offers rare evidence of the close bond ancient Egyptians could share with their pets. Although cats were valued for protecting grain stores from rodents and snakes and were linked to the goddess Bastet, they were also cherished companions.
Goed gebruikte trippen. Geschilderd door Jan van Eyck in zijn Arnolfini portret. Je droeg ze onder je normale schoenen om die te beschermen tegen de modder in de straten. Veel straten en stegen waren nog niet verhard.