From Set Prop To Superstar: 7 Untold Facts About Benjamin Button, Taylor Swift's Ragdoll Cat

The world of celebrity pets is dominated by a few elite felines, and none are more famous than the trio belonging to global superstar Taylor Swift. While Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson have long held court, the youngest member, Benjamin Button, has a rags-to-riches story so unique it sounds like a movie plot—starting as a kitten on a music video set and quickly ascending to pop culture royalty. As of December 12, 2025, Benjamin continues to be a central figure in Swift’s life, often appearing in her social media updates and even inspiring fan-driven charity initiatives.

Benjamin Button, a strikingly beautiful Ragdoll cat, has carved out his own niche in the Swiftie universe, distinguishing himself from his Scottish Fold sisters. His unexpected adoption story during the filming of the "ME!" music video in 2019 is a piece of trivia every dedicated fan knows, but his recent high-profile appearances, including a subtle feature on a major magazine cover and a mention on a popular podcast, prove his star power is only growing. This deep dive uncovers the most fascinating facts about the cat who literally reversed his way into Taylor Swift’s heart.

Benjamin Button: The Ragdoll Cat's Profile and Biography

Benjamin Button is the third and youngest feline member of Taylor Swift’s famously adored pet family. His presence completed the trio, adding a distinct breed and personality to the household.

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• Full Name: Benjamin Button Swift
• Nickname: Benji, Benny
• Breed: Ragdoll Cat
• Color/Markings: Seal Point Bicolor (known for his striking blue eyes and light body with darker points on his ears, face, and tail)
• Adoption Date: April 2019 (Met on the set of the "ME!" music video)
• Siblings: Meredith Grey (Scottish Fold, adopted 2011) and Olivia Benson (Scottish Fold, adopted 2014)
• Name Origin: Named after the titular character, played by Brad Pitt, in the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, who ages backward.
• First Public Appearance: Featured prominently in the "ME!" music video (2019).
• Notable Media Appearances: "ME!" music video, various social media posts, *Time* Magazine cover (subtly), *New Heights* podcast mention (August 2025).

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button's Adoption Story

Benjamin Button’s path to becoming a celebrity cat is unlike that of his sisters, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. While the Scottish Fold duo were planned adoptions, Benjamin's arrival was a spontaneous, heartwarming moment captured on camera.

From Music Video Prop to Forever Home

The story begins in April 2019 on the set of Taylor Swift’s vibrant, fantastical music video for the single "ME!" featuring Brendon Urie.

The director, Dave Meyers, had arranged for a number of kittens to be used in a scene. One of those kittens was a tiny, striking Ragdoll with a gorgeous coat and deep blue eyes. In the video, Brendon Urie famously presents the kitten to Swift as a gift.

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However, the moment the cameras stopped rolling, the connection between Taylor and the little Ragdoll cat was undeniable. Taylor Swift later shared a behind-the-scenes video detailing the adoption. She recalled that the kitten, who was being held by a handler on set, looked directly at her with an expression that seemed to say, "Adopt me, please."

The original plan was for the kitten to return to his temporary home, but Taylor was instantly smitten. She asked the handler if she could adopt him, and the rest is history. This serendipitous meeting meant Benjamin Button literally went from being a temporary prop in a music video to becoming a permanent member of one of the world's most famous families.

Why the Name 'Benjamin Button' Fits Perfectly

Taylor Swift has a tradition of naming her pets after beloved fictional characters, particularly strong female leads, as seen with Meredith Grey (from *Grey's Anatomy*) and Olivia Benson (from *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*).

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A Nod to a Classic Film and a Cat's Unique Look

Benjamin Button, however, broke the trend by being named after a male character: Brad Pitt's role in the 2008 film *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*. The character in the film ages backward, starting life as an old man and getting younger.

The name is perfectly whimsical and fits the narrative of his sudden, unexpected appearance in her life. More subtly, the name has been interpreted by fans as a gentle nod to the cat's kitten-like features, which are characteristic of the Ragdoll breed—they are often described as looking perpetually young and sweet. The name adds a layer of pop culture depth to the already star-studded feline family.

His Ragdoll breed is notable for its luxurious, semi-longhaired coat, large size, and tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up, which is how the breed earned its name. This gentle and affectionate temperament makes Benjamin a perfect companion for the often-stressed life of a global pop icon. He is the only non-Scottish Fold in the family, making him visually distinct and a favorite subject for 'cat lady' posts from his famous owner.

Benjamin's Role in the Taylor Swift Universe and Pop Culture

While Olivia Benson may hold the title of the world's second-richest pet with a staggering estimated net worth of nearly $100 million, Benjamin Button's contribution to the "Tay-verse" is growing rapidly.

Recent High-Profile Media Exposure

Benjamin Button has cemented his status as a cultural icon through several major media appearances in 2024 and 2025.

• The *Time* Magazine Feature: When Taylor Swift was named Person of the Year, her cover story included a subtle but significant feature on her cats. Benjamin Button was part of a playful "slideshow presentation" on the issue, which led to a Philadelphia animal society launching a fundraising challenge encouraging "Swifties" to donate $13 in his honor. This demonstrates his power to drive real-world charitable impact.
• The *New Heights* Podcast Mention: In August 2025, Swift reportedly discussed her cats on the popular *New Heights* podcast, bringing Benjamin Button's antics to a massive new audience of sports fans and general listeners. This cross-pollination of fanbases further elevates the Ragdoll cat's profile.
• Social Media Star: Benjamin frequently appears in Swift’s social media posts, often in candid, funny, and heartwarming moments. These posts, sometimes signed "Childless Cat Lady," give fans a glimpse into the star's private life and reinforce the deep bond she shares with her felines.

Benjamin Button, along with Meredith and Olivia, has become an indelible part of Taylor Swift's public persona, representing a sense of home, comfort, and normalcy amidst the chaos of touring and media scrutiny. His unexpected journey from a music video set to a global celebrity cat is a testament to the power of a spontaneous adoption and the enduring love between a pop superstar and her gentle, blue-eyed Ragdoll. The continued interest in his life, breed, and antics ensures that the "rich rich" cat family's youngest member will remain a central figure in pop culture for years to come.