Last week was International Cat Day, and as I looked over lovingly at my precious cat, sprawled on her back atop my freshly-laundered clothes, chasing birds in her sleep, I wondered if other animals around the globe had it this good.
Well, a quick online search revealed that they do. My feline queen is positively slumming it when it comes to some of her wealthier counterparts.
This is a look at how some of the other (furrier) half is living.
Gunther IV – R6-billion
Yes, you read that correctly, a German Shepherd – who actually lives in Germany – is worth a whopping R6-billion.
It’s truly bizarre. The countess Karlotta Leibenstein, who died in 1991, left her dog, Gunther III just over R1-billion, which his trustees invested.
This was then transferred to his son, Gunther IV, who now resides in a number of mansions, is transported by limousine, and has both a personal maid and butler.
It almost doesn’t get crazier than that.
Grumpy Cat – R1.5-billion
From just a regular feline with dwarfism and an underbite, Grumpy Cat (real name: Tardar Sauce) shot to internet fame in 2014.
His savvy owner, Tabatha Bundesen, maximised on his unique features which saw him star in endless memes, adverts and even his own film, ‘Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever’.
He even has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! His owner won a R10-million copyright infringement lawsuit which, undoubtedly, pushed up his net worth. Sadly, the famous feline died in May this year at the age of 7, but his owner certainly made his life worthwhile!
Olivia Benson – R1.4-billion
Even being the cat of a multi-millionaire didn’t stop little Olivia Benson – named after the Law & Order character – from making her own cash.
One of three cats belonging to American pop star Taylor Swift, Olivia has stared in several adverts and has a big social media presence.
Swift has even been inspired by her fur babies to star in the film version of Cats, premiering this December.
Sadie, Sunny, Lauren, Layla and Luke Winfrey – R450-million
The pets of one of the world’s most recognised name and richest woman – Oprah Winfrey – are certainly living in the lap of luxury.
And this will continue even after Winfrey’s death. She has set up a trust fund for each of her glamorous dogs, with all five receiving R450-million in total on her death. Sounds like motive right there.
Gigoo – R230-million
It’s not just the fur kids that are living large. Gigoo is a pet chicken – yes, the same thing you had for dinner last night – that has more money than most people will see in a lifetime.
British publisher Miles Blackwell wanted to ensure his beloved Gigoo was well looked after his death in 2011 – and that she was.
Blackwell died shortly after his beloved wife, so after leaving a fortune to charity, his little feathered friend came away with a hefty sum.
