Taylor Swift, the global music icon, isn’t just known for her chart-topping hits and captivating performances; she’s also celebrated as a devoted cat lover. Among her feline companions, Meredith Grey holds a special place, often shrouded in a playful mystique that intrigues fans worldwide. While Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button frequently bask in the limelight of Swift’s social media, Meredith, the elder stateswoman of Swift’s cat trio, maintains a more enigmatic presence, making her all the more fascinating to those who adore both Swift and her furry friends.
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Taylor Swift affectionately known as a cat lady, posing with her cats, emphasizing her love for feline companions.
Swift’s affection for her cats is no secret. She proudly embraces her “cat lady” status, even humorously referencing it in her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, signing off as “Childless Cat Lady,” a witty nod to political commentary. Her cats aren’t just pets; they’re family, muses, and even career influences. Swift herself admitted that her role in the movie Cats was partly inspired by her deep love for her feline companions. This passion has resonated with fans, further endearing her to those who appreciate her genuine personality and relatable love for animals.
But who is Meredith Grey, the cat who shares her name with the iconic Grey’s Anatomy character and captures the hearts of Taylor Swift’s fans? Let’s delve into the world of Meredith and explore what makes her so special, alongside her equally famous siblings, Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button.
Meredith Grey: The Original Taylor Swift Cat
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Taylor Swift lovingly holding Meredith Grey, her Scottish Fold cat named after the iconic Grey’s Anatomy character, showcasing their close bond.
Meredith Grey, a beautiful Scottish Fold, was the first feline to steal Taylor Swift’s heart, joining her family in 2011. Named after Ellen Pompeo’s character from the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, Meredith has been a constant presence in Swift’s life for over a decade. From the moment Swift brought her home, Meredith held a special place. Swift described her early on as “awesome” and “the most adorable cat in the world,” highlighting the instant connection they shared.
This affection is clearly mutual. In a charming video from 2012, Meredith seemed to “sing” along to Swift’s then-new single, “I Knew You Were Trouble,” showcasing a unique bond and perhaps even a shared love for music. Meredith’s presence extends beyond heartwarming home videos; she’s a star in her own right. Eagle-eyed fans spotted Meredith’s image on a t-shirt worn by Ryan Reynolds’ character in Deadpool 2, alongside Olivia Benson, labeled “Olivia & Meredith Best Friends Purrrrr-Ever.” She also graced the screen in Swift’s “ME!” music video with Panic! At The Disco, solidifying her status as a celebrity cat.
Despite her moments in the spotlight, Meredith is often described as the most reclusive of Swift’s cats. In 2020, Swift playfully used Meredith’s preference for solitude to encourage fans to self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, posting a picture of Meredith hiding in a toy with the caption, “For Meredith, self quarantining is a way of life. Be like Meredith.”
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Taylor Swift affectionately gazing at Meredith Grey, her Scottish Fold cat, capturing a tender moment between the singer and her beloved pet.
In 2021, fan concern grew when Meredith was less visible on social media. Swift addressed these “rumors” with humor, reassuring everyone that Meredith wasn’t missing, just camera-shy. In a video featuring Benjamin Button, Swift explained, “The truth is, Meredith just hates having her picture taken,” showcasing a series of unflattering and annoyed-looking photos of Meredith, further cementing her reputation as a dignified diva who prefers privacy.
Olivia Benson: The Budding Star
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Taylor Swift holding Olivia Benson, her second Scottish Fold cat named after Mariska Hargitay’s Law & Order: SVU character, highlighting Olivia’s celebrity status.
Olivia Benson, the second Scottish Fold to join Swift’s feline family in 2014, is named after Mariska Hargitay’s iconic character from Law & Order: SVU. Olivia seems to embrace the spotlight more readily than her older sister, Meredith. She even had the chance to meet her namesake in 2015, cuddling with Mariska Hargitay in a heartwarming video shared by Swift.
Like Meredith, Olivia has Deadpool 2 and the “ME!” music video on her resume. However, Olivia’s star power shines even brighter. She starred in an AT&T ad campaign outtake, where Swift playfully referred to her as everything from a “saber-toothed tiger cub” to the “Princess of Meow Town.” Olivia also joined Swift in a Diet Coke commercial, multiplying into a feline army with each sip Swift took.
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Taylor Swift and Paula Abdul posing with Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button, Taylor’s Scottish Fold and Ragdoll cats, at the Billboard Music Awards, showcasing Olivia’s public appearances.
Olivia’s fame extends to red carpets. She accompanied Swift and Benjamin Button to the Billboard Music Awards in 2019, even having a memorable encounter with Paula Abdul, despite Abdul’s cat allergy! More recently, Olivia featured in Swift’s Instagram video celebrating the final leg of the Eras Tour, solidifying her role as a constant companion and even a “back in the office” buddy.
Benjamin Button: The Charming Ragdoll
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Taylor Swift holding Benjamin Button, her Ragdoll cat named after Brad Pitt’s character, emphasizing Benjamin’s charming and affectionate personality.
Benjamin Button, the Ragdoll cat named after Brad Pitt’s character, joined the Swift family in 2019. His adoption story is particularly heartwarming. Swift met Benjamin on the set of her “ME!” music video, where he was part of a program to get kittens adopted. It was love at first sight. As Swift recounted in an Instagram Live video, the kitten purred and looked at her as if saying, “You’re my mom, and we’re going to live together.”
Benjamin’s charm is undeniable. He’s appeared alongside Swift on the cover of TIME magazine when she was named Person of the Year in 2023, becoming a fluffy and adorable accessory. He also featured in Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris, proving his political appeal. Even Benjamin gets in on internet trends, participating in the “#ImFeeling22” hashtag in a TikTok video, celebrating his “22nd cat year.”
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Taylor Swift and Benjamin Button sharing a loving glance, highlighting their close relationship and Benjamin’s role in Taylor’s life.
A Cat-Loving Legacy
Taylor Swift’s cats, Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button, are more than just celebrity pets; they are integral members of her life and public persona. From Meredith’s initial entry into Swift’s life and her enduring, albeit private, charm, to Olivia’s burgeoning stardom and Benjamin’s irresistible appeal, each cat adds a unique dimension to Swift’s image as a relatable and genuine star. While Meredith Grey may prefer to remain an enigma, her presence as Taylor Swift’s first cat and a constant source of comfort and companionship is undeniable, solidifying her place as a central figure in the narrative of Taylor Swift, the ultimate cat lady. Their appearances in music videos, commercials, and even political endorsements showcase how deeply intertwined these feline companions are with Swift’s career and personal brand, further cementing her status as the world’s most famous and beloved cat enthusiast.
