Taylor Swift Cats: What Most People Get Wrong

You’ve seen them on the cover of Time magazine. You’ve spotted them in the background of grainy Instagram stories. Honestly, if you’re a fan, you probably feel like you know Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button personally. But here’s the thing about the Taylor Swift cats: they aren’t just pets. They are a multi-million dollar business empire, a legal fortress, and, occasionally, the only creatures on earth allowed to scratch a woman whose legs were once rumored to be insured for $40 million.

It’s easy to dismiss it all as just "eccentric cat lady" energy. That would be a mistake. Behind the fluffy ears and the "purr box" videos lies one of the most sophisticated branding exercises in modern pop culture. Taylor doesn’t just own cats; she incorporates them into her intellectual property through TAS Rights Management LLC, filing trademarks that protect their names for everything from luggage to Christmas tree ornaments.

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Basically, while we’re all cooing at a photo of Benjamin Button draped around her neck like a scarf, her legal team is making sure nobody else can sell a shirt with his name on it. It’s smart. It’s calculated. And it’s deeply, deeply cat-obsessed.

The Scottish Fold Scandal and the "Private" Meredith Grey

Most people think being a celebrity cat is all glitz and glamour. For Meredith Grey, Taylor’s oldest cat (named after the Grey’s Anatomy lead, obviously), it’s mostly about avoiding the camera. Taylor has literally had to address "missing person" rumors for this cat.

Back in 2021, fans were spiraling. "Where is Meredith?" was trending. Taylor eventually had to post a video explaining that Meredith isn’t dead or missing—she just hates being photographed. "She’s just a really private little cat," Taylor told her fans. It’s kinda hilarious when you think about it. One of the most famous people on the planet has a pet that demands total anonymity.

Meredith is a Scottish Fold, a breed known for those distinctive folded ears. But there’s a darker side to the breed that most casual observers miss. Those ears are the result of a genetic mutation that affects cartilage throughout the body.

Every single Scottish Fold has some degree of osteochondrodysplasia. This is a painful, degenerative joint disease. Because of this, the British Veterinary Association has actually called for a ban on breeding them. It’s a point of contention among animal welfare experts who argue that breeding for "cute" ears shouldn't come at the cost of lifelong chronic pain. Taylor hasn't explicitly waded into the ethics of the breed, but her cats have undeniably spiked global demand for them.

Why Olivia Benson Is Richer Than Your Favorite Actor

If Meredith is the recluse, Olivia Benson is the mogul.

Named after Mariska Hargitay's character on Law & Order: SVU, Olivia is officially the "middle child," adopted in 2014. But she’s the one with the resume. She’s starred in commercials for Diet Coke, Keds, and AT&T. She’s appeared in the "Blank Space" and "Karma" music videos.

Reportedly, Olivia has a net worth of roughly $97 million.

That number sounds fake. It sounds like something a fan made up on Tumblr in 2015. But it comes from the "Pet Rich List" compiled by All About Cats, which uses Instagram analytics and commercial earnings to estimate value. While it’s an estimate, the commercial reality is that Olivia is a working professional. She is the logo for Taylor Swift Productions. She is a revenue stream.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Then there's Benjamin. He’s a Ragdoll, not a Scottish Fold. His origin story is pure "invisible string" lore. Taylor met him on the set of the "ME!" music video in 2019. He was part of a program that puts adoptable kittens in commercials to help them find homes.

The handler asked Taylor if she wanted to hold him. She did. He started purring immediately.

"Can I have him?" she asked.

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The handler said yes. The rest is history. Benjamin is the cat you see on the 2023 Time Person of the Year cover. He’s the one who "looks like a scarf." Ragdolls are known for going limp when you pick them up—hence the name—which is why he looks so unbothered while Taylor is posing for a high-stakes editorial shoot.

The Business of Being a "Childless Cat Lady"

In late 2024, the Taylor Swift cats took on a political life. After a certain politician made comments about "childless cat ladies," Taylor signed her endorsement of Kamala Harris with that exact phrase. She even used a photo of herself holding Benjamin Button.

It was a masterclass in reclaiming a narrative.

But beneath the viral moment is a serious legal structure. Since 2011, Taylor’s company, TAS Rights Management, has filed hundreds of trademarks. "Meredith, Olivia & Benjamin Swift" is a registered mark. This isn't just about stopping people from making bootleg merch on Etsy, though that's part of it. It’s about controlling the "lore."

Everything in Taylor’s world is an Easter egg. In the "Karma" video, a giant version of Olivia appears. In the "ME!" video, Meredith and Olivia are referred to as her "daughters" in a French-speaking scene. By trademarking the cats, she ensures that these "characters" remain hers and hers alone.

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Actionable Insights for the Aspiring Cat Parent

If you’re looking at Taylor’s life and thinking you want to start your own feline empire, there are a few things you should actually know before you go out and buy a Scottish Fold or a Ragdoll.

• Scottish Folds need special medical attention. If you get one, you need to be prepared for potential joint issues and arthritis early in their life. Regular vet checkups are non-negotiable.
• Ragdolls are high-maintenance groomers. Benjamin Button looks like a cloud because he’s professionally groomed. Their fur mats easily, so you’ll be brushing them daily.
• Privacy is a personality trait. Not every cat wants to be an influencer. If your cat hides when you pull out your phone, let them. Respect the "Meredith Grey" energy.
• Safety first in music videos. If you’re ever filming with your pets (even for a TikTok), ensure the environment is "stress-tested." Taylor uses professional animal handlers to make sure her cats aren't overwhelmed by the lights and noise.

The "Taylor Swift cats" phenomenon is a mix of genuine affection and brilliant business strategy. It’s okay to love them for the fluff, but it’s more interesting to respect the empire. Whether they’re lounging in New York City penthouses or starring in global ad campaigns, these three felines are arguably the most protected—and profitable—pets in history.

Next Steps for Swifties: Keep a close eye on Taylor’s future trademark filings. Usually, a new trademark for a cat’s name or a specific cat-related phrase is a dead giveaway that a new music video or a merch capsule is about to drop. For now, just make sure you’re brushing your own "Benjis" at home.