All About Taylor Swift’s Cats: Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin

Get to know Taylor Swift’s cats—Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin—and how these Scottish Folds and Ragdoll shape her public persona.

Taylor Swift isn’t just a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter—she’s also one of the world’s most famous cat moms. Over the years, her three beloved felines—Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button—have become mini-celebrities, stealing the spotlight in music videos, commercials, social media posts, and even pop culture rankings of the richest pets.

Meredith Grey (Scottish Fold, adopted 2011)

• Breed: Scottish Fold
• Adopted: 2011
• Named After: Ellen Pompeo’s character in Grey’s Anatomy
• Personality: Private, shy, and famously not a fan of paparazzi
• Claim to Fame: Featured on Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool 2 t-shirt, cameo in Swift’s “ME!” music video

Meredith was Taylor’s first cat, adopted in late 2011 after Swift fell in love with Scottish Folds’ unique folded ears. She’s not the most public-facing of the trio—Taylor has even joked that Meredith prefers “self-isolation” and isn’t a fan of photo shoots. During the COVID lockdown, Swift posted a hilarious update saying Meredith had been “quarantining her entire life.” Despite her reclusive nature, Meredith’s quiet dignity has made her an adored figure among Swifties.

Olivia Benson (Scottish Fold, adopted 2014)

• Breed: Scottish Fold
• Adopted: 2014
• Named After: Mariska Hargitay’s character on Law & Order: SVU
• Personality: Playful, sociable, and media-ready
• Claim to Fame: Featured in multiple music videos (Blank Space, ME!, Karma) and starred in ads for Keds, Diet Coke, AT&T, and DirecTV
• Fun Fact: Ranked as the world’s 2nd richest cat in 2018, valued at $97 million, thanks to brand deals and media appearances

Olivia is the social butterfly of the group, perfectly comfortable in front of the camera. She’s appeared in Swift’s videos, sat front row at promotional shoots, and even made her way into international commercials. Fans adore her expressive face, which often becomes a meme. With her star power and lucrative endorsements, Olivia’s celebrity status extends far beyond the Swiftie fandom.

Benjamin Button (Ragdoll, adopted ~2019)

• Breed: Ragdoll
• Adopted: 2019 (during the filming of “ME!”)
• Named After: The title character from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• Personality: Gentle, affectionate, and loves being held
• Claim to Fame: His adoption moment was caught on camera in the “ME!” music video

Benjamin’s story is straight out of a rom-com. While filming ME!, Taylor met a shelter kitten brought in for the shoot. She instantly bonded with him, holding him between takes. By the end of the day, Benjamin wasn’t just a co-star—he was a permanent family member. True to his Ragdoll breed, he’s laid-back, cuddly, and often seen lounging in Taylor’s arms.

Why They Matter to Swift’s Story

Taylor’s cats aren’t just pets—they’re part of her creative universe. They’ve appeared in album promos, been referenced in interviews, and inspired memes, fan art, and even merchandise. Whether it’s Olivia’s viral expressions, Meredith’s introverted mystique, or Benjamin’s adorable debut, each cat has helped shape Swift’s playful and personal public image.