Taylor Swift is basically the patron saint of "Childless Cat Ladies," a title she famously reclaimed with a smirk and a Time Magazine cover. But if you’re trying to keep track of her feline family, things get a little blurry between the music video cameos and the Instagram hiatuses.
So, let's get into it. How many cats does Taylor Swift have? She has three. Exactly three.
They aren't just pets; they’re a lifestyle. They have high-end security, their own trademarks, and net worths that would make a corporate CEO weep. Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button—the "MOB" squad—are the three felines running the Swift household. If you’ve seen rumors about a fourth kitten with Travis Kelce, stay skeptical. While reports from late 2024 and throughout 2025 suggested they were "open" to a rescue, as of early 2026, no new whiskers have officially joined the ranks.
Meet the "MOB": Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin
The squad is a mix of two Scottish Folds and one very large, very floppy Ragdoll.
1. Meredith Grey (The Reclusive Legend)
Meredith was the one who started it all back in 2011. Named after Ellen Pompeo’s character in Grey’s Anatomy, she’s a Scottish Fold with the signature "folded" ears and a perpetually judgmental expression.
Honestly, Meredith is the relatable one. She hates having her picture taken. For a while, fans were actually worried she’d passed away because she vanished from Taylor’s social media. Taylor had to post a whole "missing person" style explanation in 2021 just to tell everyone that Meredith is fine, she just prefers her privacy. We respect a low-profile queen.
2. Olivia Benson (The Multi-Millionaire)
Then there’s Olivia. Named after Mariska Hargitay’s badass detective on Law & Order: SVU, Olivia is the "extrovert" of the family. If you’ve seen a cat in a Diet Coke ad, a Keds commercial, or the "Blank Space" music video, it’s her.
Here’s the wild part: Olivia is reportedly worth around $97 million.
How? Well, when you’re the face of Taylor Swift Productions and you’re featured in global ad campaigns, the royalties add up. She’s essentially the second-richest cat in the world. She also famously refuses to stay in a cat carrier, which is why you’ve seen those paparazzi photos of Taylor carrying her like a clutch through the streets of New York.
3. Benjamin Button (The Accidental Adoption)
Benjamin is the baby. He’s a Ragdoll, a breed known for going completely limp when you pick them up. Unlike the girls, Taylor didn't go looking for him.
They met on the set of the "ME!" music video in 2019. He was a "set cat" available for adoption, and when the handler handed him to Taylor, he started purring and nuzzling her neck. It was over. She literally asked, "Can I have him?" right there on camera. He’s the one you see draped around her neck on the 2023 Time Person of the Year cover.
Why the Internet Thinks There Are More
It’s easy to get confused.
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Taylor’s music videos are packed with "Easter eggs." In the "Look What You Made Me Do" video, she wore a cat mask. In "ME!", there were dozens of kittens in a scene. People see a cat in a video and assume Taylor bought it.
She didn't.
There was also a lot of chatter in 2025 about her and Travis Kelce adopting a "joint" kitten. Sources like Life & Style and The Economic Times reported that Travis had become a "proud cat dad" and was building a "cat patio" (a "catio") at his place. But despite the rumors, no "New Year, New Kitten" announcement happened in early 2026.
Expert Insight: If Taylor gets a new cat, you won't hear it from a "source." You'll see it in a 4K Instagram Reel with a cryptic caption that references a song from her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl.
The Economics of Being a Swift Cat
Being one of Taylor Swift's cats is a full-time job. It’s not just about napping on $5,000 cashmere throws.
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- Trademarks: Taylor has trademarked the names "Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin Swift." This covers everything from merchandise to jewelry.
- Travel: They don't fly coach. They travel in custom "astronaut" backpacks or private jets.
- Security: These cats are high-value targets. When they travel, they are protected by the same security detail that guards Taylor.
It sounds insane, but in the world of celebrity branding, these pets are extensions of her IP. They are characters in the "Swift Cinematic Universe."
What Most People Get Wrong About the Breeds
If you’re thinking about getting a "Taylor Swift cat," you should know a few things first.
Scottish Folds (Meredith and Olivia) are controversial. Their folded ears are the result of a genetic mutation that affects their cartilage. While they look cute, this can lead to painful joint issues like osteochondrodysplasia. This is likely why Meredith is a bit more sedentary and "grumpy."
Ragdolls (Benjamin), on the other hand, are massive. They can grow up to 20 pounds. They are basically dogs in cat suits. They follow you from room to room and need a lot of attention.
Practical Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking to channel your inner "Cat Lady" (Taylor's Version), here’s the move:
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- Don't buy, adopt. Benjamin was a rescue. Even the world's biggest pop star knows that the best cats are often the ones looking for a home on a video set.
- Learn the names. If you call Benjamin "the white one," a Swiftie will probably correct you within seconds.
- Respect the privacy. If Meredith doesn't want to be on camera, Meredith doesn't go on camera.
- Watch the credits. Check the IMDb pages for her music videos; the cats often have their own acting credits.
To wrap this up: Taylor Swift has three cats. They are rich, they are famous, and they are likely living a better life than most of us. Check Taylor’s official Instagram or her latest docuseries The End of an Era for any sudden updates on the count—but for now, the trio remains a trio.
Actionable Next Step: If you want to see the MOB in action, go watch the "ME!" music video again. Look at the 2:10 mark for Benjamin's origin story—it's the only time you'll see a multi-million dollar adoption happen in real-time.