Timeline of Taylor Swift's Cats: from 2011 Adoption to 2026 Cultural Fame
By Sarah Jenkins
The newest member of Swift's pack joined through an unexpected rescue opportunity. On the set of the April 2019 music video shoot for "ME!", the lead single from her Lover album, production handlers brought in several kittens from a local adoption program designed to find permanent homes for animals by placing them in commercials and music videos.
The moment animal handler staff placed a purring Ragdoll kitten in Swift’s arms, the connection was instant. Behind-the-scenes video footage preserved the exact exchange. Swift asked if the kitten had an owner; the handler confirmed he was up for adoption. Swift signed the paperwork before wrapping production for the day.
She named him Benjamin Button, referencing the titular character who ages in reverse in F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story and the 2008 film adaptation starring Brad Pitt. True to his Ragdoll breeding, Benjamin is physically limp and relaxed when held, allowing Swift to drape him across her shoulders like a scarf during everyday domestic tasks and high-fashion magazine photoshoots.
Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.
