Meet the richest PETS in the world
For normal nine-to-fivers, those social media ‘influencers’ who rake in hundreds of thousands — or even millions — of dollars are certainly enough to inspire envy. But what about the non-humans who are worth more than we could ever hope to have? Insurance aggregator Compare the Market recently debuted its first-ever Pet Rich List, ranking the wealthiest animals around the world.
Making the cut are dogs, cats, a bear, and even a chicken who’ve made their fortunes through branding, starring in films, or being lucky enough to come into a very hefty inheritance.
Gunther IV: $375 million
The world’s richest animal is a German Shepherd from Germany — who is living anything but a ruff life. Gunther IV inherited his fortune the way many do, from his father, Gunther III. Gunther III, meanwhile, inherited the money from his owner, German countess Karlotta Leibenstein, who died in 1991. The countess actually left Gunther III $106 million, but the money was invested by trustees and grew. According to Investopedia, Gunther IV once purchased a villa from Madonna for more than $3 million, as well as a rare white truffle for $1,500.
Grumpy Cat: $99.5 million
As opposed to Gunther IV, who got his money via a trust fund, Grumpy Cat is a self-made millionaire. The six-year-old mixed-breed feline, whose real name is Tardar Sauce, became an internet sensation thanks to her grumpy expression — and pictures her owner Tabatha Bundesen shared online. The viral fame helped her nab paid media appearances, sell merchandise, and even inspire the 2014 movie, Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever, in which she was voiced by Aubrey Plaza.
Olivia Benson: $97 million
It’s good to be Taylor Swift’s pet. Though the singer has two cats, Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey, it’s Olivia — named for the Law & Order: SVU detective — who’s the really privileged pussy. A four-year-old Scottish Fold, Olivia lives in the lap of luxury in Taylor’s many homes, but is making her own coin by appearing alongside her owner in commercials and ad campaigns for Keds, Diet Coke, and AT&T.