Throughout history, the connection between women and their feline companions has been a symbol of mystery, independence, and strength. From the sacred cats of ancient Egypt to the oil-painted portraits of aristocratic ladies with their beloved pets, this bond has always been a subject of fascination and admiration. Today, in a world that is increasingly embracing the charm of the "cat lady," this timeless relationship is more celebrated than ever.
While modern pop culture has embraced figures like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, who proudly showcase their feline friends, this kinship is far from a new trend. Women from all walks of life—nurses, writers, activists, and artists—have long found comfort and companionship in their cats, making their mark on history with these loyal animals by their side.
Here are the stories of the 9 Lives of Cats and their Famous Female owners, offering a glimpse into the lives of remarkable women who, through their love of cats, remind us of the enduring and powerful bond between humans and their feline friends.
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| Pic: Giphy, Netflix |
1. Taylor Swift and Her Feline Family: Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin
Taylor Swift, the global pop sensation, is not just famous for her chart-topping hits but also for her well-documented love for cats. Swift’s feline family includes three adored cats: Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button. Named after strong female characters from television (Meredith Grey from Grey's Anatomy and Olivia Benson from Law & Order: SVU), her cats have become celebrities in their own right.
Meredith and Olivia, both Scottish Folds, have been with Swift for several years and have made numerous appearances on her social media, in music videos, and even during interviews. Swift's love for her cats is so deep that she often jokes about being a “crazy cat lady.” In a 2019 interview, she humorously commented, “They’re very dignified. They’re independent. They’re very capable of dealing with their own life.” (1) The latest addition to her feline family, Benjamin Button, a Ragdoll cat, was adopted in 2019 after Swift met him on the set of her music video for “ME!”. She fell in love with him instantly and decided to adopt him on the spot.
Swift’s cats are more than just pets; they are an integral part of her life and public persona. They’ve been featured on merchandise, inspired Taylor’s fans to adopt pets, and even earned her the title of “Purrson of the Year” from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Her cats are frequently seen enjoying the comforts of luxury, reflecting the jet-setting lifestyle that accompanies Taylor Swift's high-profile career.
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| Pic: C.Stein |
2. Debbie Harry and Sunday Man: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Bond
Debbie Harry, the iconic frontwoman of Blondie, is not just a pioneer in punk and new wave music but also a devoted cat lover. Known for her edgy style and undeniable influence in the music world, Harry’s softer side shines through her love for her cats, which included Daniel, Grey Girl, and the exquisitely named Sunday Man.
In a recent BBC documentary, Blondie guitarist Chris Stein explained that the band’s hit song "Sunday Girl" was inspired by his amazing pet cat, Sunday Man, who tragically ran away from home while the band was on tour. Stein insists, “No, it really was about the cat. Of course, everything is multi-layered, but it genuinely was about the cat initially.” (2). However, this claim was challenged by former bandmate Jimmy Destri in the same documentary, who argued that the song was clearly a love song from Chris to Debbie, his live-in lover for over a decade.
Regardless of the debate, Harry’s relationship with her cats also speaks to her independent spirit, a trait that has defined her both personally and professionally. Even as she was breaking boundaries in the music industry, she found solace in the presence of her feline friends, who were as much a part of her life as her music.
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| Pic: Instagram |
3. Nicole Kidman and Her Kitties, Louis, Ginger, and Snow
Nicole Kidman is an internationally acclaimed Australian actress and producer, known for her versatile performances in both film and television. With a career spanning several decades, Kidman has earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and multiple Golden Globe Awards. Some of her most notable works include Moulin Rouge!, The Hours, and Big Little Lies. Beyond her acting career, Kidman is also an active philanthropist and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for women’s rights and global issues.
Nicole Kidman’s love for animals is a well-known aspect of her personal life, and she shares her home with three cherished cats: Louis, Ginger, and Snow. Louis, the most recent addition to her furry family, was adopted as a rescue cat. He quickly settled into the Kidman household, joining his feline siblings, Ginger and Snow. Kidman often shares updates and photos of her cats on social media, highlighting the joy they bring into her life and the importance of adopting rescue animals.
Upon adopting Louis, Kidman introduced him to her followers with the words, "Meet the newest member of our fur family, Louis! We are so grateful to have him in our lives." (3). She expressed her happiness in integrating Louis into her family alongside Ginger and Snow, showing her ongoing commitment to providing a loving home to her pets.
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| Pic: Instagram |
4. Gigi Hadid and Cleo: A Model’s Feline Muse
Gigi Hadid, one of the most recognizable supermodels in the world, shares her glamorous life with her beloved cat, Cleo. Cleo’s story is as charming as Hadid’s rise to fame—rescued from inside a car engine in 2015, Cleo quickly went from a life of danger to being a regular feature in Hadid’s social media posts, often seen lounging in luxury or accompanying Hadid on various adventures.
“Last week she was found in a car engine, and today I adopted her,” Gigi posted on Instagram. (3)
Cleo is not just a pet but a part of Hadid’s personal brand, reflecting the model’s combination of high fashion and down-to-earth personality. Fans of Hadid will remember how she and Cleo became internet sensations, with Cleo even having her own Instagram page at one point, though Hadid decided to keep Cleo’s life more private later on. The bond between Hadid and Cleo is clear in every photo, with Cleo often seen nestled comfortably in Hadid’s arms, embodying a sense of warmth and intimacy that contrasts with the often cold and impersonal world of fashion.
“My hobbies include hanging out with @gigihadid and sleeping. 🐾” Cleo was quoted as saying in this Instagram post. (4)
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| Pic: TheCobraSnake, Instagram |
5. Katy Perry and Kitty Purry: Pop Royalty’s Furry Companion
Katy Perry, one of the biggest pop stars in the world, is also known for her deep affection for her cat, Kitty Purry. This adorable feline companion has been a significant part of Perry’s life and has even become something of a celebrity in her own right, often appearing in Perry’s social media posts and interviews.
Kitty Purry has been with Perry through many phases of her career, offering companionship and comfort during the highs and lows of life in the spotlight. Perry has often referred to Kitty Purry as her “baby,” highlighting the deep bond they share. In interviews, Perry has talked about how Kitty Purry would often wait for her at the door when she came home, providing a sense of stability and love in her otherwise hectic life.
Kitty Purry’s presence in Perry’s life also extended to her music, with fans frequently spotting the cat in the background of videos and photoshoots. Kitty Purry’s influence was so significant that she became a recognizable part of Perry’s brand, with merchandise featuring the cat’s likeness becoming popular among fans.
Sadly, Kitty Purry passed away in 2020, but her memory lives on in the hearts of Perry’s fans. Perry paid tribute to her beloved cat on social media, expressing gratitude for the years of companionship and joy Kitty Purry brought into her life.
“Kitty Purry crawled through my then-boyfriend’s window 15 years ago, fully pregnant and seeking shelter. Two litters and many moons later, this street cat became a lovable mascot to many. Sadly, Kitty completed her 9th life last night. I hope she rests in salmon fillets and tuna tartare way up in catnip heaven. Kitty, thanks for the cuddles and companionship along the way.” (5)
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| Pics: Fandom, Lic: CC-BY-AA |
6. Ellie Goulding – Wallace, Lennon and Eve: A Tale of Furry Friendship
Ellie Goulding, the renowned British singer-songwriter known for her captivating voice and electronic music, shares her life with three distinct and beautiful Bengal cats: Wallace, Eve, and Lennon. Each of these cats not only adds to the charm of her home but also features prominently on her social media, sharing her day-to-day life with her fans.
Ellie with Lennon, Eve and Wallace. Pics: Fandom Wiki
Wallace, the oldest of the trio, has been with Ellie since October 2015. He is a striking Bengal with light, icy turquoise eyes and white fur adorned with golden and brown leopard-like spots. His regal appearance and sharp features make him a particularly photogenic pet. Wallace's breeder, Gillian Mitchell, notes that he is an aqua-eyed mink Bengal, a detail that adds to his unique charm.
Lennon, originally thought to be Wallace’s brother, is another Bengal with hazel green eyes and light brown fur marked with yellow, black, and dark brown spots. However, Lennon was rehomed to a friend's family, where he continues to be loved and cherished. Before his departure, Lennon shared many sweet moments with Ellie, contributing to the dynamic of the household.
Eve, the newest addition to Ellie's feline family, joined at the start of 2017. He is a white cat with a greyish tint on his ears, paws, and nose. Despite being considerably smaller than Wallace, Eve quickly found his place within the feline hierarchy. His name, revealed in a Twitter conversation, likely comes from the fact that Ellie adopted him on New Year’s Eve, possibly as a companion to fill the gap left by Lennon's rehoming.
Ellie's relationship with her cats is more than just ownership; it's a heartfelt connection that she frequently shares with her audience, whether through tweets, Instagram posts, or casual mentions in interviews. “I’m obsessed now. I never thought I was gonna be one of those people who was gonna post photos of a lot of animals, and now I am. I’m Catwoman,” Goulding joked. (6)
Pic: PunkAndStuff
7. Siouxsie Sioux and Her Enigmatic Feline Trio: Spider, Spooky, and Dandy
Siouxsie Sioux, the iconic frontwoman of Siouxsie and the Banshees, showcases a stark contrast between her intense stage persona and her domestic life filled with feline warmth. Siouxsie shares her home with three rescued cats—Spider, Spooky, and Dandy.
Spider, the most cunning of the trio, is known for his nightly escapades, waking Siouxsie with his distinctive howls reminiscent of a Burmese cry. “He's the smartest one, Spider. He does nightly calls on me”, “He's a vampire, and if you ignore him he's got this pitiful cry, so I have to let him in.” (7)
Spooky, a little orange Toulousian, adds a splash of vibrant color to her life, while Dandy, named aptly as one half of a duo with his missing brother Beano, brings his own quirky charm.
This mellow side of Siouxsie emerges in the tranquility of her home in the South of France, far removed from the punk rock frenzy she orchestrates on stage.
Pic: Instagram
8. Lea Michele and Her Cat, Sheila
Lea Michele is a celebrated American actress and singer, best known for her starring role as Rachel Berry on the hit television show Glee. Over the years, Michele has carved out a successful career in both television and music, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Outside of her professional life, Michele is also known for her advocacy of a healthy lifestyle, her love of animals, and her active engagement with her fans on social media.
Lea Michele’s bond with her cat, Sheila, is well-documented on her social media channels. Sheila is a fixture in Michele’s life, often appearing in photos and videos that showcase the deep connection they share.
In an interview with Canada’s Flare magazine, the Glee star says her cat Sheila is more than just a pet, “She’s the greatest cat in the whole world, so spunky and fun,” she says. “It wouldn’t be fair to have a dog, but she’s the perfect companion for me.” (8)
Pic: Instagram
9. Drew Barrymore and Her Cat, Fern
Drew Barrymore is an iconic American actress, producer, and talk show host, known for her roles in films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Wedding Singer, and Charlie’s Angels. Born into a famous acting family, Barrymore has been in the spotlight from a young age and has built a successful career in Hollywood, becoming a beloved figure for her candidness and relatable personality. In addition to her professional work, Barrymore is a passionate animal lover, actively involved in rescue efforts and advocacy for animal welfare.
Drew Barrymore’s love for animals is evident in her close relationship with her pets, particularly her cat, Fern. Barrymore adopted Fern along with two other kittens, Lucky and Peach, during a trip to rescue just one cat. Fern, who was chosen by Barrymore herself, quickly became a cherished member of her family. Barrymore often shares moments with Fern on social media, highlighting the joy and comfort her pets bring into her life.
“If you can believe, my daughters and I went to rescue a cat and came home with three kittens in need. #thekitties #rescue #christmasmiracle or I just became the crazy cat lady?” Drew posted on Instgram (9).
We hope this exploration of the lives of these remarkable women and their feline companions has offered both insight and inspiration. At Kitten Kaboodle, we are dedicated to celebrating the deep and meaningful connections that exist between cats and their owners. We invite you to continue the conversation by sharing your own stories and experiences with your feline companions. Join us on social media or leave a comment below—together, let’s cultivate a community where the love of cats and the sharing of knowledge thrive.
References
1. https://time.com/5577508/taylor-swift-influences-cats-tumblr/
2. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/lifetime-loving-debbie-harrys-blondie-7753482
3. https://people.com/pets/nicole-kidman-adopts-rescue-cat-named-louis/
4. https://www.instagram.com/p/37spxBMx5M/
5. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_JvoAgnG4k/
6. https://living.greatpetcare.com/inspiration/best-cat-mom-quotes/
7. https://www.untiedundone.com/52503a.html
8. https://people.com/pets/lea-michele-my-cat-is-the-perfect-companion/
9. https://www.instagram.com/p/BdxwTUWhjkj/
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