Some celebrities share their homes with cats that are far from ordinary. While many people are familiar with common domestic breeds, certain stars have chosen rarer or less-seen cats, including hybrid breeds and ancient lineages that aren’t widely owned.
These breeds often have distinct appearances, unique temperaments or specialized care needs, making them notable companions.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on online sources. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Taylor Swift – Scottish Fold Cats
Pop superstar Taylor Swift is a well-known cat lover, and two of her three felines are Scottish Folds named Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. This breed is instantly recognizable for its folded ears – a quirk caused by a natural genetic mutation first discovered in 1960s Scotland.
Scottish Folds have an owl-like, round-faced appearance and a sweet, gentle demeanor. They’re considered rare because not every kitten in a litter develops the signature folded ears, making true Scottish Folds uncommon and expensive to breed.
Swift’s adorable pair have become celebrities in their own right, helping popularize this rare breed on social media with their charming looks and antics.
2. Justin Bieber – Savannah Cats
Justin Bieber made headlines for purchasing two Savannah kittens, aptly named Sushi and Tuna – for a total of around $35,000. Savannah cats are an exotic hybrid breed, a cross between a domestic cat and an African serval wild cat. The result is a tall, lanky feline with bold spotted markings often dubbed a living room leopard for its striking, wild appearance.
Bieber’s Savannahs are F1 hybrids (first-generation), which partly explains their high price tag and rarity, early-generation Savannahs are scarce and even regulated or banned in some places due to their wild lineage. These cats are known for their high energy and dog-like personalities.
3. Kristen Stewart – Bengal Cat
Actress Kristen Stewart is obsessed with her beloved Bengal cat named Max (who also answers to Jella-Man). Bengals are a hybrid breed developed from crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats, giving them a miniature leopard look with rosetted coats and vivid markings.
Stewart’s cat Max often travels with her, and she has described their bond as a really strong, really weird codependent relationship.
Bengals are intelligent, high-energy cats that love to climb and even enjoy water, traits harkening back to their wild ancestry. They’re considered rare not only for their exotic appearance but also because ethical breeding of Bengals is limited.
4. Martha Stewart – Bengal Cats
Domestic diva Martha Stewart has also fallen for the allure of the Bengal. In 2022, at 81 years old, she welcomed two Bengal kittens into her farm menagerie, introducing one spotted kitten named Kipling as a curious and mischievous feline.
Stewart shared that her new Bengals are adventuresome, very fast, and devious, keeping her on her toes as they explore her home and interact with her other animals.
Bengal cats have a high prey drive and playful temperament, which matches Stewart’s description. Their lush, leopard-like coat and agile athleticism set them apart from typical house cats. While Bengals have grown in popularity, they remain relatively uncommon in everyday homes.
5. Andrew Lloyd Webber – Turkish Van Cats
Famed Cats composer Andrew Lloyd Webber doesn’t just celebrate felines on stage, he keeps a clowder of rare Turkish Van cats at home. In fact, Lord Lloyd Webber serves as the honorary President of the Turkish Van Cat Club and has said he has four marvelous Turkish Van cats, who are the swimming cats from Lake Van in Eastern Turkey.
The Turkish Van is an ancient natural breed distinguished by its van-patterned coat (mostly white with color on the head and tail) and its unusual love of water.
Webber’s affection for this breed is well known; he even famously took a holiday swim with his Van cat named Fez, showcasing the cat’s water-friendly traits.
6. Karl Lagerfeld – Birman Cat
The late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld’s most constant companion was Choupette, a blue-eyed Birman cat who has achieved her own celebrity status. Lagerfeld adopted the elegant white Birman in 2011, and she soon became a star in her own right, complete with hired maids, an Instagram following, and even rumours of inheriting part of Lagerfeld’s fortune.
Birmans, often called the Sacred Cats of Burma, are a rare breed known for their gentle temperament and distinctive appearance, they have silky cream coats with darker points like Siamese, and four pure white paws that look as if they’re dipped in snow.
This breed was once nearly extinct and had to be carefully revitalized by breeders.
