Key Highlights
- Taylor Swift’s three cats, Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button, have become celebrities in their own right
- Swift’s cats are named after famous TV characters, reflecting her love for pop culture
- The cats have appeared in music videos, commercials, and even on the cover of Time magazine
- Swift’s attachment to her cats influenced her decision to act in the movie ‘Cats’
(livesinsight.com) – Taylor Swift’s multifaceted life is often the subject of public fascination, and among the myriad aspects of her world, her three beloved cats stand out as a particularly unique and personal element. These felines—Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button—are more than just pets; they are integral to her identity and public persona, creating a narrative that intertwines with her music, film appearances, and social media presence. Swift’s decision to name her cats after iconic TV characters—Meredith Grey from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and Olivia Benson from ‘Law & Order: SVU’—speaks volumes about her affinity for pop culture and her knack for blending personal life with professional endeavors. This choice also encapsulates her sense of humor and her ability to create relatable content for her fans, who eagerly follow the antics of these furry stars. Each cat has its own distinct personality and public role. Meredith Grey, for instance, has been a staple in Swift’s life since 2011 and is known for her adorable, folded ears and somewhat elusive nature. Olivia Benson, joining the family in 2014, has a more outgoing presence, often appearing in various commercials and music videos. The youngest, Benjamin Button, who became part of the Swift household in 2019, has quickly risen to fame, even gracing the cover of Time magazine alongside Swift. Through social media updates, commercial appearances, and even film roles, these cats have transcended typical pet status to become celebrities in their own right. They serve as a testament to Swift’s ability to create a multi-dimensional public image that resonates with her fan base on multiple levels. Their influence even extends to Swift’s career choices, as seen when her love for cats partially motivated her to take part in the musical film ‘Cats’. In essence, Swift’s trio of cats not only provides her with companionship but also enhances her brand, making them indispensable to her public and personal life.
Meredith Grey: The Scottish Fold Icon
Meredith Grey, named after the character from the hit TV show ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, has been with Taylor Swift since 2011. This Scottish Fold cat is renowned for her distinctive folded ears, a trait resulting from a genetic mutation affecting cartilage growth. Despite this, Meredith Grey has thrived under Swift’s care, becoming a recognizable figure among fans. Her fame even extends to Hollywood, with a cameo in ‘Deadpool 2’ where Ryan Reynolds sported a T-shirt featuring Meredith and Olivia Benson, captioned ‘Olivia & Meredith Best Friends Purrrrr-Ever’. Meredith’s relatively private nature became a topic of discussion in 2021 when Swift addressed rumors about her well-being, humorously clarifying that Meredith simply dislikes having her picture taken. Swift’s inventive slideshow presentation featuring her youngest cat, Benjamin Button, dispelled any concerns, proving that Meredith prefers her privacy while still being an essential part of the Swift household.
Olivia Benson: The Outgoing Star
Olivia Benson, joining Swift’s family in 2014, is named after Mariska Hargitay’s character in ‘Law & Order: SVU’. Unlike the more reserved Meredith, Olivia is frequently seen in various media, reflecting her outgoing personality. One memorable moment was when Hargitay met Olivia, an encounter Swift documented on social media in 2015. Hargitay even named her own cat Karma, referencing Swift’s song ‘Karma’. Olivia Benson’s media presence includes appearances in Swift’s ‘ME!’ music video and a notable role in an AT&T ad campaign. Her charm and adaptability have made her a favorite in commercials, including a Diet Coke ad where she effortlessly showcased her star quality. Olivia’s contributions to Swift’s brand are significant, highlighting the singer’s ability to intertwine her personal life with her professional image seamlessly.
Benjamin Button: The Rising Feline Star
Benjamin Button, the youngest of Swift’s cats, joined the family in 2019 and quickly rose to prominence. Named after the character from the film ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’, this Ragdoll cat has a unique, endearing personality. His journey to fame began with his appearance in Swift’s ‘ME!’ music video, where he was initially a foster kitten. Swift’s immediate bond with Benjamin led to his adoption, a story she shared with fans in an Instagram Live session with Brendon Urie. Benjamin’s fame transcended music videos, with a notable appearance on the cover of Time magazine alongside Swift after she was named Person of the Year in 2023. This cover highlighted not only Swift’s achievements but also her deep connection with her feline companion. Benjamin’s presence in Swift’s life and his growing popularity among fans underscore the profound impact her cats have on her public and private life.
Impact on Career Choices
Taylor Swift’s profound love for her cats has influenced her career decisions, most notably her participation in the musical film ‘Cats’. Swift’s affection for her feline companions was a driving factor in her decision to join the cast, as she explained in a 2019 interview with Time magazine. Her role in the film allowed her to merge her passion for music, acting, and her love for cats, creating a unique blend of her interests. This decision exemplifies how Swift’s personal life seamlessly integrates with her professional endeavors, making her public persona more relatable and endearing to her fans. Her cats’ influence extends beyond mere companionship, shaping her artistic choices and contributing to her multifaceted career. The story of Swift’s cats, from Meredith Grey to Benjamin Button, is a testament to the singer’s ability to create a rich, multi-dimensional narrative that resonates with her audience on various levels. By incorporating her feline friends into her public life, Swift has not only shared her love for her pets but also enriched her brand, making it more relatable and engaging. These cats are more than just pets; they are integral to the tapestry of Swift’s life, influencing her career and personal choices in meaningful ways.