The $35,000 Savannah Saga: 5 Shocking Facts About Justin Bieber's Cats, Sushi And Tuna

The world of celebrity pets is often as dramatic as the lives of their famous owners, and no feline saga is quite as captivating—or expensive—as that of Justin Bieber's cats, Sushi and Tuna. As of December 2025, the story of these two exotic Savannah cats continues to fascinate fans and animal rights activists alike, primarily due to their staggering price tag, a public feud with PETA, and a dramatic, three-week disappearance that involved a celebrity chef.

This article dives deep into the complete, updated profile of the Biebers’ controversial companions, examining the breed's unique nature, the backlash the singer faced, and the incredible, true story of how one of the cats was miraculously found hundreds of miles from home. Get ready for the full scoop on the pop star's prized pets.

The Complete Profile of Sushi and Tuna: Justin Bieber's Savannah Cats

Justin Bieber and his wife, Hailey Bieber, expanded their family with two stunning Savannah kittens named Sushi and Tuna, acquiring them ahead of their wedding.

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• Names: Sushi (the female) and Tuna (the male).
• Breed: Savannah Cats.
• Acquisition: The couple purchased the kittens in 2019.
• Staggering Cost: The two cats reportedly cost the Biebers a combined total of $35,000, with Sushi priced at $20,000 and Tuna at $15,000.
• Social Media Presence: Justin Bieber initially set up a dedicated Instagram account for the duo, allowing fans a glimpse into their life as high-end celebrity pets.

The acquisition of the cats was immediately met with intense scrutiny, not just for the exorbitant price but also for the breed itself. Savannah cats are a hybrid breed, a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat.

The Biebers’ choice to purchase such expensive, exotic pets sparked a heated public debate, catapulting Sushi and Tuna from simple pets to symbols of a larger ethical controversy in the world of animal ownership.

The PETA Controversy: Why $35,000 Cats Caused a Public Feud

The most significant chapter in the Sushi and Tuna saga is the explosive feud between Justin Bieber and the animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

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Upon learning of the purchase, PETA's Senior Vice President, Lisa Lange, publicly criticized Bieber for buying a hybrid cat from a breeder instead of adopting a domestic cat from a shelter.

The organization argued that purchasing exotic animals encourages the cruel exotic pet trade and contributes to the overpopulation of domestic cats. They specifically took issue with the high price tag, suggesting the money could have been used to save thousands of animals in need.

Justin Bieber did not take the criticism lightly. He lashed out at PETA, telling them to "go focus on real problems" and defended his choice, claiming the breeder was responsible and that the cats were a special breed for him and his wife.

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This public argument highlighted the ethical complexities surrounding celebrity pet ownership and the debate over whether buying specialized breeds is justifiable when millions of shelter animals are euthanized annually. The controversy ensured that the names Sushi and Tuna became instantly recognizable far beyond the usual celebrity gossip circles.

The Great Escape: How Chef Sandra Lee Became Sushi's Hero

The controversy was soon overshadowed by a real-life drama when one of the cats, Sushi, went missing from the Bieber's Beverly Hills mansion.

In a terrifying ordeal for the couple, Sushi disappeared for a grueling three weeks, prompting Justin and Hailey to fear the worst.

The search for the expensive, feisty feline was a high-stakes affair, given the cat's unique breed and the area's potential dangers. The story took a bizarre and heartwarming turn when the missing cat was found by an unlikely hero: celebrity chef and lifestyle icon Sandra Lee.

Lee, the ex-girlfriend of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, found the pricey cat wandering in her own backyard in Beverly Hills.

She posted about the discovery on Instagram, detailing how she had safely captured the cat and eventually reunited Sushi with the Biebers.

Hailey Bieber expressed immense relief, celebrating the return of her "soosh magoosh" on social media. The incident brought a temporary end to the drama surrounding the cats, transforming the narrative from a controversy about breeding to a heartwarming tale of a lost pet's safe return, thanks to a serendipitous celebrity encounter.

Savannah Cats: The Controversial Breed Behind the Headlines

To understand the depth of the PETA backlash, one must understand the unique nature of the Savannah cat breed.

Savannah cats are created by breeding a domestic cat with an African serval. The resulting generations are labeled F1, F2, F3, and so on, with F1 being 50% serval and retaining the most 'wild' traits.

The breed is known for its tall, slender build, large ears, and distinctive spotted coat, giving it a striking, miniature leopard-like appearance.

They are also known for their dog-like loyalty, high intelligence, and need for significant physical and mental stimulation, making them a challenging pet for even the most dedicated owners.

The controversy stems from the ethical concerns of breeding wild animals with domestic ones. Critics argue that the breeding process can be difficult and sometimes inhumane, and that the resulting hybrid cats, especially the early generations (F1 and F2), have unpredictable temperaments and specific needs that most owners cannot meet.

The high price tag reflects the difficulty in breeding and the exotic appeal, but for organizations like PETA, it represents a perpetuation of the exotic pet trade, which they strongly oppose.

Not Just One: The Other "Justin Bieber The Cat" Phenomenon

While Sushi and Tuna are the official celebrity pets, a search for "Justin Bieber the cat" often brings up another, completely separate phenomenon that speaks to the internet's love for viral animal content.

This other "Justin Bieber" is an orange tabby cat who gained internet fame for his ability to communicate using a set of programmed buttons.

This talking cat, who is not owned by the singer, reportedly knows over 30 words and can form simple sentences, often expressing his desire to "eat birds."

This separate, talkative feline highlights how the pop star's name has become a recognizable cultural keyword, even extending to the world of animal influencers and viral internet sensations, further cementing the name "Justin Bieber the Cat" in the digital lexicon.

In conclusion, the story of Sushi and Tuna is far more than just a tale of celebrity pets. It encompasses a high-profile ethical debate, a dramatic missing-pet mystery, and a surprising celebrity rescue. Despite the initial backlash and the stress of the escape, Justin and Hailey Bieber's Savannah cats remain two of the most talked-about felines in the world, proving that in the celebrity ecosystem, even the pets can become global superstars.