Taylor Swift, the global music icon, is as well-known for her chart-topping hits as she is for her unwavering affection for her three cats: Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button. These aren’t just any celebrity pets; they are integral members of Swift’s life, frequently featured on her social media, and even making cameos in her professional endeavors. Her self-proclaimed “cat lady” status is a badge of honor, embraced by fans worldwide who adore her all the more for her genuine love of her feline companions. From magazine covers to music videos, and even inspiring charitable initiatives, Taylor Swift’s cats have truly become pop culture royalty in their own right.
Meredith Grey: The Original Queen of the Swiftie Cat Kingdom
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Taylor Swift affectionately cuddling her Scottish Fold cat Meredith Grey, named after the iconic character from Grey’s Anatomy. Image source: Taylor Swift’s Instagram.
Meredith Grey, a Scottish Fold, holds the esteemed title of Taylor Swift’s first cat, joining the Swift family back in 2011. Named after the strong-willed and beloved protagonist of Grey’s Anatomy, Meredith the cat has certainly lived up to her namesake in personality, becoming a cherished figure in Taylor’s life. Swift has often spoken about her immediate bond with Meredith, describing her as “the most adorable cat in the world” shortly after adopting her. This initial adoration has only deepened over the years, solidifying Meredith’s place as the matriarch of Swift’s feline family.
Meredith’s Personality and Star Moments
While all of Taylor’s cats enjoy the limelight to some extent, Meredith is often characterized as the most private and perhaps, the most discerning of the trio. Despite her preference for a quieter life away from the constant buzz of stardom, Meredith has had her fair share of memorable moments in the public eye. Notably, eagle-eyed fans spotted Meredith making a subtle, yet hilarious, cameo in Deadpool 2. Her image, alongside her sister Olivia Benson, was featured on a t-shirt worn by Ryan Reynolds’ character, proclaiming “Olivia & Meredith Best Friends Purrrrr-Ever.” This playful nod in a major blockbuster film cemented Meredith’s status as more than just a pet, but a genuine pop culture icon.
Furthermore, Meredith showcased her musical appreciation early on. Swift famously captured a video of Meredith seemingly “meowing” along to her hit single “I Knew You Were Trouble,” proving that musical talent might just run in the family, even across species. She also made an appearance in Taylor Swift’s vibrant music video for “ME!”, further solidifying her role as a recurring star in Swift’s artistic world.
The Mystery of Meredith: Why We See Less of Her
In 2021, fans noticed a decrease in Meredith’s social media appearances, leading to concerned whispers and even rumors about her well-being. Taylor, ever attuned to her fans, directly addressed these concerns with humor and reassurance. In a video featuring Benjamin Button, Swift playfully debunked the “missing cat” allegations, explaining that Meredith simply “hates having her picture taken.” She shared a montage of Meredith looking less than thrilled in photos, even including a clip of Meredith comically fleeing the scene when confronted with the camera. This lighthearted response not only quelled fan worries but also added another layer to Meredith’s endearing persona – the slightly reluctant, yet deeply loved, feline star.
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A close-up shot of Meredith Grey, Taylor Swift’s Scottish Fold cat, showcasing her distinctive folded ears and captivating green eyes. Image source: Taylor Swift’s Instagram.
Olivia Benson: The Business Mogul of the Cat Trio
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Taylor Swift’s second Scottish Fold cat, Olivia Benson, looking regal and sophisticated, embodying her namesake from Law & Order: SVU. Image source: Taylor Swift’s Instagram.
Olivia Benson, another Scottish Fold, joined Taylor’s family in 2014, adding a new dynamic to the feline household. Named after Mariska Hargitay’s iconic character from Law & Order: SVU, Olivia Benson the cat has carved out her own unique identity. While Meredith might be the original, Olivia is arguably the most commercially successful of Taylor’s cats, boasting an impressive estimated net worth and a string of high-profile appearances.
Olivia’s Rise to Fame and Fortune
Olivia’s star power extends beyond social media cameos and music video appearances. She has ventured into the world of advertising, starring alongside Taylor in a Diet Coke commercial. This isn’t just a fleeting appearance; Olivia is front and center, playfully interacting with Taylor while showcasing the beverage. Her foray into advertising is a testament to her broad appeal and marketability, cementing her status as a true celebrity in her own right.
Like Meredith, Olivia also enjoyed a cameo in Deadpool 2 and the “ME!” music video, establishing the pair as a dynamic duo in Swift’s visual projects. However, Olivia’s solo moments are equally captivating. In a hilarious outtake from an AT&T ad campaign, Taylor is seen showering Olivia with a series of affectionate, and slightly absurd, questions, highlighting the playful and loving bond they share. This clip perfectly encapsulates Olivia’s charm and her ability to captivate audiences with her mere presence.
Meeting Her Namesake: Olivia Benson Squared
One of the most delightful moments in Olivia Benson’s celebrity journey was her actual meeting with her namesake, Mariska Hargitay. In a heartwarming video shared by Taylor, the kitten Olivia is seen cuddling up to Hargitay, receiving gentle pets and treats. Taylor’s caption, “This is Olivia Benson meeting Olivia Benson, and um, things are going well so far,” perfectly captured the surreal and adorable nature of this encounter. This meeting of Olivia Bensons was a true pop culture moment, celebrated by fans of both Taylor Swift and Law & Order: SVU.
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Taylor Swift and Paula Abdul posing with Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button at the Billboard Music Awards, a testament to the cats’ celebrity status. Image source: Taylor Swift’s Instagram.
Olivia’s fame even extends to red carpet appearances. She, along with Benjamin, accompanied Taylor to the Billboard Music Awards, where they had a memorable encounter with Paula Abdul. Despite Abdul’s cat allergies, the moment was captured in a photo, further emphasizing the undeniable celebrity status of Taylor Swift’s feline companions.
Benjamin Button: The Charming and Affectionate Ragdoll
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Benjamin Button, Taylor Swift’s Ragdoll cat, known for his striking blue eyes and gentle demeanor. Image source: Taylor Swift’s Instagram.
Benjamin Button, the youngest member of Taylor’s cat family, arrived in 2019, completing the trio. Unlike his Scottish Fold sisters, Benjamin is a Ragdoll, a breed known for its docile and affectionate nature, traits that Benjamin embodies perfectly. Named after Brad Pitt’s character in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, his adoption story is as heartwarming as his personality.
A Meet-Cute on the “ME!” Music Video Set
Benjamin’s journey to becoming a Swift family member began on the set of Taylor’s “ME!” music video. He was part of a program that places kittens in commercials and music videos to promote adoption. Taylor recounted the story of their first meeting during an Instagram Live session, explaining that the moment she held Benjamin, she knew he was meant to come home with her. His immediate purring and affectionate gaze sealed the deal, and Taylor officially became a “cat mom” for the third time.
Benjamin’s Personality and High-Profile Moments
Benjamin is often described as the most outwardly affectionate of Taylor’s cats. His Ragdoll breed characteristics shine through in his gentle demeanor and love for cuddles. He quickly became a fan favorite, frequently appearing in Taylor’s social media posts, charming followers with his striking blue eyes and fluffy fur.
His most significant moment in the spotlight came in 2023 when Benjamin joined Taylor on the cover of TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year issue. Resting gracefully on Taylor’s shoulders, Benjamin looked every bit the seasoned professional, proving he was ready for his close-up. Taylor jokingly captioned her Instagram post about the cover, “Time Magazine: We’d like to name you Person of the Yea- / Me: Can I bring my cat,” highlighting the endearing and inseparable bond between her and Benjamin.
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Taylor Swift holding Benjamin Button, her Ragdoll cat, showcasing their close bond and Benjamin’s relaxed temperament. Image source: Taylor Swift’s Instagram.
Furthermore, a photo from this TIME photoshoot was later used by Taylor to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, further intertwining Benjamin with significant moments in Taylor’s public life and advocacy.
Taylor Swift: The Ultimate Cat Lady
Taylor Swift’s embrace of her “cat lady” status is more than just a personal preference; it’s become a significant part of her brand and public persona. She proudly owns the label, even referencing it in her Instagram endorsement of Kamala Harris, signing off as “Childless Cat Lady” in a playful nod to political commentary. This self-awareness and humor resonate with fans, who appreciate her authenticity and genuine love for her feline companions.
Her cats have not only enriched her personal life but have also subtly influenced her career. Taylor herself admitted that her obsession with cats played a role in her decision to take on a role in the movie Cats, showcasing how deeply her feline affection permeates her choices.
Beyond personal and professional spheres, Taylor’s passion for cats has also had a positive impact on animal welfare. Animal shelters have recognized and celebrated her cat-loving image, with one Houston shelter even reducing cat adoption fees in honor of her Eras Tour stop, aptly naming the initiative “Lucky $13” and referencing her song “Karma.”
In conclusion, Taylor Swift’s cats, Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button, are more than just celebrity pets. They are beloved members of her family, stars in their own right, and a testament to Taylor Swift’s genuine and celebrated “cat lady” identity. Their individual personalities, coupled with their collective charm, have captured the hearts of fans worldwide, solidifying their place in pop culture history as Taylor Swift’s iconic feline family.
