Taylor Swift, the multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, is known for her chart-topping hits and iconic music videos—but she’s also a proud cat mom. Swift’s feline family members—Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button—have become stars in their own right, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. From social media posts to music video cameos, these cats are as much a part of Swift’s public persona as her music.
Meredith Grey: The Shy Star
Meredith Grey, Swift’s first cat, is a Scottish Fold named after the Grey’s Anatomy character. She was adopted by Swift in 2011 and quickly became a fan favorite. Despite her fame, Meredith is the most reclusive of the trio, rarely appearing on Swift’s social media. In 2021, fans worried about her absence, prompting Swift to humorously explain that Meredith “hates having her picture taken.”
Despite her shy nature, Meredith has had some memorable moments. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Swift posted a photo of Meredith tucked inside a toy with the caption, “For Meredith, self-quarantining is a way of life. Be like Meredith.” Meredith also made a surprising cameo in Deadpool 2, featured on a t-shirt worn by Ryan Reynolds’ character. Meredith is still going strong turning 14 years old and is an icon in the Swiftie community.
Olivia Benson: The Social Butterfly
Olivia Benson, another Scottish Fold, joined Swift’s family in 2014. Named after Mariska Hargitay’s character on Law & Order: SVU, Olivia is the most outgoing of the trio. She has appeared in Swift’s music videos, including “ME!” and commercials for AT&T. Olivia even met her namesake in 2015, with Swift sharing a video of Hargitay feeding her.
Olivia’s quirky personality has made her a fan favorite. In 2017, Swift humorously described Olivia as a “saber-toothed tiger cub” and “Princess of Meow Town.” She even attended the Billboard Music Awards in 2019, where she met Paula Abdul—who admitted to being allergic to cats but still posed for a photo.
Benjamin Button: The Ragdoll Heartthrob
The newest member of Swift’s feline family is Benjamin Button, a Ragdoll cat adopted in 2019. Benjamin was introduced to the public during the filming of Swift’s ME! music video, where he starred alongside Meredith and Olivia. Swift immediately fell in love with him, recalling, “I looked at Brendon [Urie], and he’s like, ‘You’re going to get the cat, aren’t you?’”
Benjamin’s sweet adoption story only endeared him to fans even more. Swift shared on Instagram that she adopted him after meeting him on set, where he was part of a program aimed at finding homes for kittens
In December 2023, Benjamin became an even bigger part of Swift’s life when he appeared on the cover of TIME magazine for its Person of the Year issue. Swift, humorously captioning the post, “Time Magazine: We’d like to name you Person of the Yea- / Me: Can I bring my cat?” added a warm touch to the prestigious cover.
More Than Just Cats: Their Impact on Swift’s Life
Swift’s affection for her cats goes beyond their cuteness. In fact, her love for felines influenced her decision to join the cast of the Cats movie in 2019. Swift revealed that she “loved her cats so much” that when a role in Cats came up, she felt it was meant to be.
Swift’s cat-loving personality has also inspired her fans and the broader public. In 2023, ahead of her Eras Tour stop in Houston, a local animal shelter reduced adoption fees for cats, playfully referencing Swift’s lyrics: “Karma is a cat, purring in my lap ’cause it loves me!!!”
Conclusion
Taylor Swift’s cats—Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin—have become symbols of her personal life and public persona. These felines, through their social media posts, music video appearances, and even philanthropic influence, have solidified their place as stars in their own right. Whether they’re helping shape Swift’s career or simply being her companions, these three cats have truly captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
