Taylor Swift’s cat is named Olivia Benson, a Scottish Fold who, as of late 2023, was generally estimated to be aged between 6 and 7. Swift acquired Olivia Benson in 2014, shortly after settling a lawsuit with Big Machine Records over the masters of her first six albums. Olivia appears in album artwork for "Lover" and has become one of the singer’s most visible celebrity pets. This evergreen profile explains her age, background, and role within Swift's broader circle of cats.
Primary facts and age estimate
Identity and approximate age
Olivia Benson is a Scottish Fold born around 2016. In 2024, this places her at roughly 8 years old; many sources previously cited an age range of 6–7 in 2023. Because exact birth records are not publicly confirmed, the age is best treated as an estimate based on adoption timing and observable traits in photos. No veterinarian-confirmed DOB is published.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Olivia Benson | Public statements and album credits |
| Breed | Scottish Fold | Media appearances and breeder information |
| Approximate acquisition year | 2014 | Reported by Swift’s team and outlets |
| Estimated age (2023) | 6–7 years | Press coverage and fan observations |
| Estimated age (2024) | ~7–8 years | Continued press and fan tracking |
Name origin and public confirmation
Why Olivia Benson?
Swift named the cat after the fictional detective Olivia Benson played by Mariska Hargitay in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit". Swift has referenced this in album liner notes and interviews. The name became widely known after she mentioned it during the "Lover" era, and it was subsequently confirmed by reputable entertainment news outlets.
Place within Swift’s broader cat family
Olivia Benson is one of several cats Swift has publicly owned. She frequently shares updates about her pets on social platforms, though exact counts and ages can fluctuate with new adoptions. Olivia Benson is most often shown in photos alongside two other cats: Meredith Grey and Benjamin Button.
- Olivia Benson: Scottish Fold, adopted 2014
- Meredith Grey: American Shorthair, adopted around 2014
- Benjamin Button: Scottish Fold mix, adopted later than Olivia
Public appearances and album artwork
Olivia Benson has appeared in multiple forms of Swift’s media, most notably the cover of the 2019 album "Lover". On that artwork, Swift holds Olivia while sitting outdoors. The image is widely recognized and frequently referenced in fan discussions. Olivia has not accompanied Swift on public red carpets in a literal "cat handler" sense, but her likeness is common in merchandise and promotional art tied to the Lover era.
Evergreen context and what to expect moving forward
Because Olivia Benson was acquired as a young cat in 2014, her age will continue to increase over time. The key fixed points remain the adoption year (2014) and the naming inspiration (Olivia Benson character). Future updates will only refine the estimated age; there is no indication of new acquisition timelines that would change the overall profile.
Common questions
- What type of cat is Olivia Benson? She is a Scottish Fold.
- How old is Olivia Benson as of 2024? Roughly 7–8 years, based on a 2014 adoption.
- Are Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey both Scottish Folds? No; Meredith Grey is an American Shorthair.
- Does Swift have more cats beyond these three? Reports sometimes mention others, but the trio above is most consistently documented.