Exploring Taylor Swift's Feline Inspirations: Decoding Cat References in Her Music

Breaking Down Every Cat Reference in Taylor Swifts Music

Taylor Swift Photographs by Inez and Vinoodh for TIME

Taylor Swift, known for her immense success as a music artist, also proudly embraces her title as a "cat lady" by openly sharing her love for felines in her songs.

As a devoted "cat mom" to Scottish folds Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, as well as Ragdoll Benjamin Button, named after characters from popular TV shows and movies, Swift often incorporates cats as metaphors in her music.

Swift sings about Karma, a cat that loves her, in her song "Karma" from her album Midnights. (In fact, Mariska Hargitay named her cat Karma in 2023 after Swift's song, who plays Olivia Benson's namesake on SVU.)

Additionally, Swift's three cats have been featured in her music videos, magazine covers, and social media posts. Her love for cats even led her to appear in Tom Hooper's 2019 film adaptation of the Broadway musical Cats.

I absolutely adore my cats. I love them so much that when the opportunity to be in the movie Cats came up, I immediately knew I had to do it. In 2019, I shared with TIME how much I admire cats for their dignity, independence, and ability to navigate life on their own.

In that same year, my cats Meredith and Olivia made a special appearance in my music video for ME! alongside Brendon Urie. In the video, I playfully refer to them as my “young daughters” and have a funny argument with Urie's character. Eventually, he surprises me with a kitten named Benjamin as a way to ask for my forgiveness. Benjamin, being so adorable, ended up coming home with me after we finished filming the video.

Benjamin had the honor of appearing on the cover of TIME magazine with Swift in 2023 when she was chosen as Person of the Year. Swift jokingly asked, "Can I bring my cat?" in a message she shared via X, playfully referencing her love for cats while announcing the cover photo.

For a detailed list of all the times Taylor Swift has mentioned cats in her song lyrics, keep reading below:

“Wonderland”

In the Alice in Wonderland-themed track from 1989 (Taylor’s Version), Swift references one of the most famous fictional cats of all time.

Breaking Down Every Cat Reference in Taylor Swifts Music

Taylor Swift Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

"Didn't you calm my fears with a Cheshire Cat smile?" she sings.

In an earlier part of the song, she also sings, "Didn't you flash your green eyes at me? / Haven't you heard what becomes of curious minds?" This references not only her ex, but also the green eyes of the Cheshire Cat and the saying "Curiosity killed the cat."

"Gorgeous"

In the song "Gorgeous" from Taylor Swift's album Reputation released in 2017, the singer describes a lover whose beauty is so captivating that it evokes conflicting emotions. In the bridge of the song, Swift sings about feeling happy yet sad at the same time because of this person. She expresses a sense of frustration at not being able to have what she desires and humorously mentions going back home to her cats unless the person wants to join her.

Breaking Down Every Cat Reference in Taylor Swifts Music

Taylor Swift Raymond Hall/GC Images

“Paper Rings”

The lyrics in this song are thought to be inspired by a memorable red carpet moment at the 2015 Grammys. During an interview, Taylor Swift was jokingly told she would be leaving with more than just an award that night, implying she would attract many suitors. However, Swift playfully responded that she had no plans to leave with any men that evening. Instead, she intended to spend time with her friends before heading home to her beloved cats.

Using the idiom “cat and mouse,” which refers to a back-and-forth pursuit, Swift sings about her favorite animal once again on the Lover track “Paper Rings.”

Breaking Down Every Cat Reference in Taylor Swifts Music

Taylor Swift's song tells the story of a relationship, starting from the couple's first meeting and culminating in a marriage proposal with "paper rings." Swift describes the early stages of their romance as a playful game of "cat and mouse" that eventually leads to moments of intimacy, such as watching her partner breathe in the night.

“Vigilante Sh*t”

Swift begins one of her more risqué songs, “Vigilante Sh*t” off of 2022’s Midnights, with the lyric, “Draw the cat eye, sharp enough to kill a man.”

Breaking Down Every Cat Reference in Taylor Swifts Music

Taylor Swift DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

The pop star mentions a technique in her song that imitates a cat eye look, targeting someone from her past. (Fans speculate that this could be related to her conflict with Scooter Braun.)

In the chorus, Swift sings, "They say looks can kill and I might try. I don’t dress for women or men. Lately, I’ve been dressing for revenge."

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“Karma”

In the dance-pop song off Midnights, Swift uses a slew of metaphors to convey karma working in her favor.

Breaking Down Every Cat Reference in Taylor Swifts Music

In the song's chorus, Taylor Swift sings, "Karma is my boyfriend / Karma is a god / Karma is the breeze in my hair on the weekend / Karma’s a relaxing thought / Aren’t you envious that for you it’s not?"

She continues: “Sweet like honey, karma is a cat / purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me.”

Editor's P/S:

Taylor Swift's love for cats is evident in her music and personal life. As a devoted cat mom, she often incorporates cats into her lyrics and creative projects. Her playful and affectionate references to her feline companions add a charming and relatable touch to her work, showcasing her admiration for their independence, dignity, and the joy they bring.

Beyond her personal connections to cats, Swift's portrayal of them in her songs and videos has also contributed to their cultural significance. By featuring cats as metaphors and symbols, she has helped to normalize their presence in popular culture and celebrate their unique characteristics. Her ability to connect with her fans through her love of cats further demonstrates the enduring bond between humans and these beloved animals.