There’s no two ways about it: Taylor Swift’s cats are stars in their own right. When they are not featuring in a Diet Coke commercial, they’re making an appearance in music videos. And when they’re not taking center stage on TV, they’re gracing the front page of a magazine.
The global superstar has three cats, each of whom is named after the TV characters from the star’s favorite shows and films. For example, there’s Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy, Olivia Benson from Law and Order, and Benjamin Button from the 2008 Brad Pitt film that goes by the same name.
Swift, who is a self-certified cat lady, adopted Meredith first in 2011, Olivia second in 2014, and welcomed Benjamin home in 2019. To find out everything you need to know about the pop star’s feline friends, stick right here. We also asked our vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan to give us the lowdown on these cats.
How many cats does Taylor Swift have?
Just like us, Taylor Swift is a true cat lover – so much so, she even had a cake made with her kitties gracing it. The singer is the very proud pet parent of three felines, including Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button.
All Swifties will know, Meredith Grey was the first to join Swift’s cat crew after she adopted the beauty in 2011. Meredith is named after the fictional character Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo, in Grey's Anatomy.
The Grammy Award winner then welcomed Olivia Benson home in 2014. In true Swift form, Olivia’s name takes inspiration from Swift’s love for fictional characters, as she gets her alias from Mariska Hargitay's role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Last, but by no means least, is Benjamin Button, who Swift welcomed home in 2019. Upholding tradition, 35-year-old Swift named this kitty after Brad Pitt’s fictional character in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
How old are Taylor Swift’s cats?
Meredith is the oldest, at around 13 years old, while Olivia recently turned 11 years old on January 23, 2025.
Six-year-old Benjamin Button, or Benji as he’s sometimes called, lives up to his name, as he’ll be turning 40 in cat years in 2025 despite looking forever young.
What type of cats does Taylor Swift have?
Both Meredith and Olivia are Scottish Folds. This type of breed is known for its dense coat that requires regular grooming as it sheds all year round. Scottish Folds are one of the quietest cat breeds as they can produce a wide range of vocal sounds, but they aren’t very loud.
Most Scottish Folds are also known and loved for their social and affectionate behavior. But, as Swifties found out first-hand, some Scottish Folds can thrive when spending time by themselves. In 2021, Swift took to the internet to share an update on Meredith, after rumors started circulating about the kitty appearing less and less on her social media.
Taking to Instagram to put the rumors to bed, Swift said: “The truth is, Meredith just hates having her picture taken. She’s just a private little cat. She likes keeping her business to herself.”
Another surprising fact about Scottish Folds is that – despite their namesake – they are born with straight ears. And, at around three to four weeks of age, their ears may start to flop over.
But, perhaps the most important thing to note about Scottish Folds is that while they have a sweet nature and look adorable, according to Dr MacMillan, this breed can suffer from a genetic mutation that affects the cartilage in their body.
"Not only does this give them their characteristic folded ears, but it leaves them highly susceptible to widespread joint abnormalities," Dr MacMillan says. "This includes the early onset of arthritis as well as distorted limbs."
Dr MacMillan says cartilage abnormalities, like osteochondrodysplasia, can also sadly affect the quality of life of many Scottish Folds, causing them to exist in some degree of pain or impaired mobility. At present, the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and International Cat Care consider the breeding of Scottish Folds as 'unethical' and are currently raising awareness of Scottish Fold suffering.
Therefore, if, like Taylor, you're swayed to adopt one of these cats, Dr MacMillan says it's crucial to keep them at a healthy body weight to avoid putting any extra pressure on already struggling joints.
"You must also seek help from a vet at the first signs of joint disease, which could be as early as seven to eight weeks in some kittens," the expert adds.
Whereas, Swift's other cat, Benjamin, is a large and beautiful ragdoll cat. Ragdolls get their moniker because they have a tendency to go limp and floppy when picked up. This long-haired breed is also known for its sweet nature and love to be handled. Which is a good thing, really, because Ragdolls have silky fur that will need to be brushed regularly to help remove loose fur and prevent matting.
Another fact about ragdolls is that they are actually born pure white but start to develop their color gradually from around eight weeks of age. In Benjamin's case, he only gathered a little grey coloring on his ears.
"Potential owners need to know that their markings may not be fully darkened until around two years of age," notes Dr MacMillan.
As is the case with Benjamin, ragdolls also have characteristically blue eyes, which add to their striking features.
"Their winning combination of good looks and gentle nature makes this breed very popular," says Dr MacMillan. "Ragdolls are one of the breeds that I look forward to seeing at work, as I’ve never known an ill-tempered one yet."
And better yet, ragdolls are considered to be a generally healthy breed. But that said, like most pedigree cats, there are a couple of issues that ragdolls are prone to.
"Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common inherited condition that causes thickening of the heart walls," Dr MacMillan says. "A heart murmur can be heard on examination of affected ragdolls, with serious symptoms developing as the disease progresses. The gradually thickening heart walls reach a point where blood can no longer be effectively pumped around the body. This will lead to breathing difficulties, fluid accumulation, lethargy, and collapse. "
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is another inherited condition that can affect ragdolls, as well as other breeds.
"Cysts are present in the kidney tissue from birth," flags Dr MacMillan. "The exact number of cysts varies between cats, as well as the rate at which they enlarge. Unfortunately, PKD is not curable and can cause kidney failure over time."
How much are Taylor Swift’s cats worth?
The question we would all like to know the answer to! All three cats take after their pet parent as they are self-made luminaries.
For example, Meredith and Olivia feature in Deadpool 2, and if you look closely enough, you’ll spot the kitties on a T-shirt Ryan Reynolds’ character wears in the film with the words ‘Olivia & Meredith Best Friends Purrrrr-Ever’.
Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin also make an appearance in Swift’s "ME!" music video featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco. Another fun fact? It was here that Swift met Benji and immediately fell in love with him.
Benjamin was featured on the cover of TIME in December 2023 after Swift was named Person of the Year. His face is also featured in the music video for You Need To Calm Down and in Swift’s Amazon music advert.
But Taylor Swift’s cats’ credits don’t stop there. Olivia has been featured in an outtake from an AT&T ad campaign with Swift. She has also made a pretty meow-memorable cameo in a Diet Coke ad. She has also starred in Swift’s music video Blank Space and Karma, ft. Ice Spice.
Ranging from the Cutest Musician’s Pet to the Pet of The Year, Olivia has been nominated for six awards and won one, after she was voted Favorite Pet at Nickelodeon's Kids’ Choice Awards.
In 2019, the singer-songwriter trademarked the names of her cats, allowing her to use the names for merchandise and other commercial purposes.
At present, Olivia has been tipped to be worth $97 million. Whereas no figures have been released or estimated for what Meredith and Benjamin are worth. Either way, we’re sure Swift and all Swifties know the lovable trio are priceless!
Read next: Everything you need to know about the Royal Family’s dogs
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated in April 2025 by Becks Shepherd.
