Meet Benjamin Button: Taylor Swift's Adorable Ragdoll Cat Stealing Hearts And Magazine Covers

Taylor Swift isn't just a global music icon; she's also famously a devoted "cat lady." Her social media feeds and public appearances often feature her beloved feline companions, who have garnered their own considerable fanbase among Swifties. While Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson have long held court in the hearts of fans, a charming newcomer stole the spotlight in 2019 and has since risen to celebrity status: Benjamin Button, Taylor Swift's adorable Ragdoll cat. From his whimsical adoption story to gracing the cover of Time Magazine, Benjamin's journey is as captivating as a Taylor Swift lyric.

The Whimsical Adoption Story of Benjamin Button

A Chance Encounter on the "ME!" Set

Benjamin Button's entry into the Swift household is truly a tale for the ages, beginning on the vibrant set of Taylor Swift's "ME!" music video, released in early 2019. The video, known for its colorful aesthetic and empowering message, also co-starred Swift's other two cats, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. It was amidst this bustling production that Taylor met Benjamin. He was just a cute kitten, one of several brought in for the shoot, but for Taylor, it was love at first sight. She immediately fell in love with him, drawn to his gentle demeanor and captivating gaze.

In a heartwarming behind-the-scenes segment from the "ME!" video shoot, Swift picks up Benjamin, who instantly purrs in her lap. Taylor, clearly smitten, mentioned how much he purred, to which the cat's handler confirmed, "He was a purr box." This immediate connection solidified Benjamin's fate. Taylor Swift added the Ragdoll cat to her brood in 2019 after meeting the little guy on the set of her “ME!” music video. His adoption was captured in endearing footage, allowing fans to witness the magical moment their favorite artist found her newest furry family member.

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The Name Behind the Purr

True to Taylor's penchant for pop culture references and meaningful names, her new Ragdoll cat was christened Benjamin Button. This name is a delightful nod to Brad Pitt’s character in the 2008 film, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," a fitting choice for a cat whose story feels almost as unique and whimsical. Benjamin is a Ragdoll cat adopted by Taylor on the set of the music video for her song “ME! He is named after the character Benjamin Button from the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, further cementing his unique origin story and charming persona within the Swiftie universe.

What Makes Benjamin Button So Special? The Ragdoll Breed

The Allure of the Ragdoll

Benjamin Button isn't just any cat; he's a Ragdoll, a breed renowned for its distinctive qualities. According to Ragdoll Cats World, the breed is “known for their uniquely sweet and gentle nature, their stunning blue eyes and long silky coat.” These traits perfectly describe Benjamin, an adorable bicolor Ragdoll with striking blue eyes that have captivated millions. His docile and affectionate temperament makes him an ideal companion, especially for someone with Taylor Swift's busy lifestyle. Ragdolls are famous for their tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up, much like a rag doll, a characteristic that likely contributed to Taylor's immediate bond with him on set.

This breed's calm and loving disposition means they thrive on companionship, often following their owners from room to room and enjoying cuddles. Benjamin's "purr box" nature, as noted by Taylor and his handler, is a testament to the breed's affectionate temperament. His long, silky coat also makes him incredibly photogenic, a quality that would soon be put to the ultimate test.

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Benjamin's Star Power

From the moment he appeared in the "ME!" music video, Benjamin Button was destined for stardom. He was featured prominently alongside Meredith and Olivia, showcasing his charming presence to millions of viewers worldwide. But Benjamin's celebrity status truly soared when he proved he is cover star material. In a monumental moment for both Taylor and her feline companion, Benjamin Button, Taylor Swift's Ragdoll cat, appeared in one of three cover photos from Swift's Time's 2023 Person of the Year photo shoot. Taylor, 33, posed with her beloved ragdoll Benjamin Button strewn across her shoulders for the cover of the iconic glossy publication after insisting on including her cat.

This wasn't the first time she's thrusted her beloved cat into the spotlight, but it was certainly his most high-profile appearance to date. The image of Benjamin draped elegantly across Taylor's shoulders became instantly iconic, solidifying his place not just as a beloved pet, but as a genuine pop culture figure. Benjamin Button, Taylor Swift's ragdoll cat, is proving he is cover star material, and his appearance on Time's Person of the Year cover was undeniable proof.

The Swift Cat Dynasty: Beyond Benjamin

Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson

While Benjamin Button is the newest, youngest furball addition to Taylor Swift’s cat family, he shares the spotlight with two equally famous feline siblings: Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. Taylor Swift hasn't been shy about her cat lady status — after all, kitties Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button are almost as famous as she is. Meredith Grey, a Scottish Fold, was Taylor's first cat, adopted in 2011, and is often seen in Swift’s social media posts and has even been featured in music videos and commercials. Olivia Benson, another Scottish Fold, joined the family in 2014, named after the iconic Law & Order: SVU character played by Mariska Hargitay.

These two older sisters have paved the way for Benjamin's fame, establishing Taylor's reputation as a dedicated cat owner. Taylor Swift got her third cat in early 2019 – a ragdoll cat named Benjamin Button, completing her trio. Swifties have been treated to countless adorable moments with all three cats, from their playful antics to their sleepy cuddles. Taylor even included a nod to her cats when she endorsed Kamala Harris, showcasing just how integral they are to her public persona and personal life.

Why Fans Adore Taylor Swift's Feline Friends

The appeal of Taylor Swift's cats, especially Benjamin Button, extends beyond their undeniable cuteness. They offer a glimpse into Taylor's personal life, making her feel more relatable and endearing to her millions of fans. Their presence in her social media, music videos, and even prestigious magazine covers humanizes the superstar, reminding everyone that even global icons cherish simple joys like the companionship of a beloved pet. Benjamin's gentle nature and his iconic "purr box" reputation resonate with cat lovers everywhere, making him a symbol of comfort and affection.

For Swifties, seeing Benjamin Button draped over Taylor's shoulders on the Time cover wasn't just a photo; it was a testament to the deep bond she shares with her animals, a bond many fans can understand and appreciate. It reinforces her authentic "cat lady" identity, a moniker she embraces wholeheartedly. The cats are not just pets; they are an extension of the Taylor Swift brand, beloved characters in her ongoing narrative.

In summary, Benjamin Button, Taylor Swift’s charming Ragdoll cat, has truly lived up to his unique name, embarking on a remarkable journey from a serendipitous meeting on the "ME!" music video set to becoming a global sensation. His adoption story, characterized by immediate affection and a delightful "purr box" personality, highlights the special bond between Taylor and her feline companion. As a quintessential Ragdoll, Benjamin embodies the breed's gentle nature, stunning blue eyes, and affectionate temperament, qualities that undoubtedly contributed to his rise as a cover star. Alongside his equally famous sisters, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, Benjamin Button has solidified Taylor Swift's status as the ultimate cat lady, proving that her beloved furballs are almost as famous as she is, and continue to steal hearts worldwide.