Why Taylor Swift's Cat Benjamin Button Was the Ideal Feline to Join the Star on Her “Time ”Cover
Ragdoll cat Benjamin Button appeared draped around Taylor Swift's neck in the musician's 'Time' 2023 Person of the Year photo shoot
Inez and Vinoodh for TIME; Taylor Swift/X
Taylor Swift on the cover of Time as the 2023 Person of the Year, with her cat Benjamin Button (L); Taylor Swift and Benjamin Button.Benjamin Button, Taylor Swift's ragdoll cat, is proving he is cover star material.
The feline appeared in one of three cover photos from Swift's Time's 2023 Person of the Year photo shoot. In the shot, the fluffy pet lies across his famous pet parent's shoulders and stares at the camera with his bold, blue eyes. Swift, 33, appears in a long-sleeved black bodysuit and black tights.
After Time revealed the "Cruel Summer" singer as their 2023 Person of the Year, Swift shared her playful reaction to the news, posting the cover featuring Benjamin Button on Instagram with the caption: "Time Magazine: We'd like to name you Person of the Yea- / Me: Can I bring my cat."
While Benjamin Button accompanied Swift to the shoot, two other felines were absent: Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. Swift has three cats: Scottish Fold Meredith Grey, whom she adopted in 2011; Olivia Benson, who is also a Scottish Fold and joined the family in 2014; and Benjamin, whom she got in 2019 after meeting the pet on the set of her music video for "ME!"
Related: Taylor Swift Reacts to Mariska Hargitay Naming Her Cat Karma, Calls It a 'Full Circle' Moment
Some may wonder why Meredith and Olivia stayed behind for Swift's big moment. And while Swift hasn't shared where her other two cats were during her Time photoshoot, she has hinted that the older felines may be less adventurous than Benjamin Button.
In April 2021, after several fans posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) about Meredith's absence from Swift's social media, the singer-songwriter responded with an amusing video.
I wanted to say thank you to you so today I will be addressing a very pressing issue. 🐈🐈⬛❓ pic.twitter.com/kBUybYoV2W
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) April 16, 2021
In the clip, Swift holds Benjamin Button while she responds to some "rumors on the internet" about Meredith's whereabouts. She divulges that Meredith "is just a really private little cat" who hates having her picture taken. The video includes several photos of Meredith looking startled or away from the camera as evidence of the feline's disinterest in fame.
On the other hand, Benjamin Button comes from a breed beloved for their lack of boundaries. Ragdoll cats, like Benjamin, got their name from their laid-back attitude and penchant for going floppy in people's arms.
According to Hill's Pet Nutrition, Ann Baker, the creator of the ragdoll breed, gave the breed that name after watching the friendly cats go placid and limp in people's laps and arms. Ragdoll cats are known for their affection, easy-going personalities, and love of being handled and receiving belly rubs, per Spruce Pets.
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Benjamin Button's classic ragdoll cat demeanor likely helped earn him a spot at Swift's Time's 2023 Person of the Year photo shoot.
For more on Taylor Swift and her amazing year, pick up PEOPLE's 2023 Most Intriguing People of the Year issue, on newsstands Friday.
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