The $97 Million Feline Empire: Unpacking The Names, Breeds, And Controversies Of Taylor Swift’s Three Famous Cats

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Taylor Swift’s love for her feline companions is legendary, transcending simple pet ownership to become a core part of her public persona and a constant fixture in her life. As of December 2025, the superstar is the proud "cat mom" to three distinct and highly recognizable kitties, each named after a beloved fictional character, and each boasting a level of fame that rivals many human celebrities.

These three cats—Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button—are more than just background figures; they are recurring co-stars in music videos, merchandise lines, and social media posts, collectively forming a multi-million dollar feline empire that Swifties around the globe adore. This deep dive uncovers the unique story behind each cat, their surprising breeds, and the latest topical news surrounding their celebrity status.

The Feline Trinity: Names, Breeds, and Character Inspirations

Taylor Swift's cats are famous for their unique names, which all pay homage to strong, complex characters from television and film. This consistent naming convention showcases Swift's appreciation for pop culture and strong female leads, setting her pets apart in the world of celebrity animals.

  • Cat Name: Meredith Grey
  • Breed: Scottish Fold
  • Adoption Year: 2011
  • Naming Inspiration: Dr. Meredith Grey, the lead protagonist of the long-running medical drama, Grey's Anatomy.
  • Personality: Described by Swift as the more "reserved" and "private" of the group, Meredith is known for her dramatic expressions and frequent disappearances from photos, leading to the running joke that she is always judging the situation.
  • Cat Name: Olivia Benson
  • Breed: Scottish Fold
  • Adoption Year: June 2014
  • Naming Inspiration: Detective Olivia Benson, the iconic character played by Mariska Hargitay on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU).
  • Personality: Often seen as the most photogenic and cooperative, Olivia is a true star. She frequently appears in commercials and music videos, making her the most commercially successful of the three.
  • Cat Name: Benjamin Button
  • Breed: Ragdoll
  • Adoption Year: 2019
  • Naming Inspiration: Benjamin Button, the character from the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, played by Brad Pitt.
  • Adoption Story: Benjamin's adoption is the most unique. He was a kitten on the set of the "ME!" music video, where he was a prop. Swift instantly bonded with him, asking the handler if she could adopt him, and he has been a part of the family ever since.

The Shocking Net Worth of Olivia Benson: A Multi-Millionaire Feline

While all three of Taylor Swift's cats enjoy a life of luxury, one stands out as a true financial powerhouse: Olivia Benson. Her commercial success has earned her a staggering valuation, placing her among the wealthiest pets in the world.

In 2023, Olivia Benson was reported to have an estimated net worth of approximately $97 million. This valuation is not based on inheritance or a simple bank account, but rather on her substantial earnings from various high-profile commercial projects.

Olivia has starred in several ad campaigns, including a Diet Coke commercial, and has an extensive line of merchandise featuring her likeness. This incredible figure places the Scottish Fold cat as the world's third richest pet, a testament to the commercial power of the Taylor Swift brand and the public's fascination with her furry family.

The Scottish Fold Controversy: A Fresh and Important Health Discussion

A crucial and more recent topic surrounding two of Swift's cats, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, involves their breed: the Scottish Fold. While the folded ears give the cats an adorable, owl-like appearance, this characteristic is the result of a genetic mutation that has led to significant animal welfare concerns.

The gene responsible for the folded ears, known as osteochondrodysplasia, can also affect cartilage and bone throughout the cat's body. Animal welfare experts and organizations have raised concerns that this condition can lead to painful arthritis and other severe joint problems, causing constant pain for the cats.

This health controversy is so serious that in the breed's country of origin, Scotland, the breeding of Scottish Folds is effectively banned. Animal charities, such as Cats Protection, have urged the public not to purchase or breed Scottish Folds, even with their rising popularity due to celebrities like Taylor Swift.

It is important for fans to be aware of this situation. While Swift's love for her cats is undeniable, the conversation highlights the ethical complexities surrounding the breeding of pets with extreme characteristics for aesthetic appeal.

The Cats' Life in the Spotlight: Music Videos and Cameos

The three cats are not just homebodies; they are integral parts of Taylor Swift's creative and public life, appearing in some of her most memorable projects. Their on-screen appearances are eagerly tracked by Swifties, who treat every cameo as a significant "Easter egg."

The most famous appearance is arguably Benjamin Button's debut in the 2019 music video for "ME!" featuring Brendon Urie. The kitten was famously adopted directly from the set after his scene. Olivia Benson has also had numerous cameos, often sitting regally beside Swift in various promotional materials and social media posts.

Meredith Grey, the most reserved, has been the subject of several viral moments where Swift jokes about her tendency to hide or be uncooperative, yet she still makes rare, but celebrated, appearances, such as a video shared by Jack Antonoff. The cats even got a subtle nod in 2024 when Swift endorsed Kamala Harris, showing how deeply intertwined the felines are with the singer's personal and public identity.

From a $97 million net worth to sparking a global conversation about ethical pet breeding, Taylor Swift's three cats—Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button—are a fascinating case study in celebrity pet culture. They prove that in the world of pop stardom, even the most private moments, like cuddling with a cat, can become a major cultural phenomenon.

The $97 Million Feline Empire: Unpacking the Names, Breeds, and Controversies of Taylor Swift’s Three Famous Cats
taylor swift cats names
taylor swift cats names

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