10 Famous Women Who Loved Cats
- 11 hours ago
- 7 min read
Every cat lover knows there’s something special about the bond between women and their feline companions. Throughout history, some of the most creative, powerful, and influential women have shared their lives with cats.
Many of these influential women would proudly be called cat ladies today. Their love for pet cats, house cats, and feline companionship helped shape culture and creativity in ways that still inspire modern cat lovers.`
In honor of International Women's Day, here are ten remarkable women who adored their feline friends.
1. Florence Nightingale
The founder of modern nursing had a deep love for cats. Florence Nightingale reportedly kept more than 60 cats during her lifetime and often spoke about how animals brought comfort and emotional healing. Her affection for cats reflected a deep appreciation for the emotional comfort animals provide, something modern pet cat owners and cat lovers still value today.
For someone whose life’s work centered on caring for others, her affection for cats feels perfectly fitting.
Did you know:
Florence Nightingale primarily owned Persian cats including one named "Mr. Bismark".
They were known to be mischievous, frequently knocking over her vases.
She started keeping Persian cats after being gifted a small cat to control rats during the Crimean War.
2. Frida Kahlo
The iconic artist surrounded herself with animals including monkeys, parrots, and cats. Her home, Casa Azul in Mexico City, was filled with beloved pets that inspired her creativity and vibrant spirit.
Cats were just one part of the wild and magical world that surrounded Kahlo. Cats often appeared in Kahlo’s artistic world, influencing both her personal life and the broader culture of cat art and animal symbolism in modern painting.
Did you know:
Frida Kahlo owned many pets throughout her lifetime including macaws, a Mexican hairless dog named Mr Xoloti, a spider monkey named Fulang Chang and a deer named Granizo.
Her 1940 oil painting Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird features a black cat perched over her right shoulder.
The artist suffered from isolation at home due to having polio as a child and being hit by a bus as a young woman. This could be a reason for her famous love for animals and her creation of her own little zoo at her home which she referred to as "Casa Azul".
Taylor Swift
Few modern celebrities are as famous for loving cats as Taylor Swift. Her three cats — Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button — frequently appear in interviews, music videos, and social media posts, turning them into internet-famous felines. On why she has such an affinity for cats, Swift said, "They're very dignified. They're independent. They're very capable of dealing with their own life." Swift helped redefine the modern cat lady aesthetic, proving that loving cats can be both fashionable and culturally influential.
Did you know:
Taylor Swift's first famous cat is a Scottish fold named Meredith Gray after the character on Grey's Anatomy played by actress Ellen Pompeo.
In 2012 when her single "I Knew You Were Trouble" played on the radio, Swift filmed Meredith meowing along to the song.
She has donated to rescue organizations like Beth's Furry Friends, Kitten Rescue LA, and the Williamson County Animal Center, which named puppies after her songs to thank her.
4. Marie Antoinette
Historical accounts suggest that Marie Antoinette adored her cats and even brought them with her to Versailles. While she lived a life of royal luxury, her affection for feline companions shows that cat lovers have always existed in every era. According to legend, she attempted to send these beloved cats to safety in Wiscasset, Maine, with Captain Samuel Clough during the French Revolution. Her Turkish Angora cats became part of palace life, demonstrating how cats have long been part of elegant cat homes and royal households.
Did you know:
While the queen was executed in 1793, it is said her cats made it to America, where they supposedly mated with local cats and contributed to the development of the Maine Coon breed.
One of the most famous cats in the group of 18th century felines was named Mimi.
Mimi was so beloved by the queen that she slept on her pillow every night and accompanied her wherever she went.
5. Florence Welch
e frontwoman of Florence + The Machine has spoken openly about her love for animals and the comfort they bring during the highs and lows of creative life. While making How Big, How Bold, How Beautiful and Everybody Scream, Florence claims that she was visited by psychic cats while making the records.
Did you know:
Florence Welch adopted her cat Missus while working on her third album, and describes her as being a calming presence during her songwriting sessions.
Missus previously had her own social media account where she provided "snarky" commentary on life with the singer.
On her latest album she claims that many cats visited her during the songwriting process, often entering her open front door.
6. Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe owned a white Persian cat named Mitsou, who was one of her beloved companions. She had a deep fondness for animals in general finding comfort in them throughout her often turbulent life. Like many modern cat lovers, Monroe found comfort in the quiet companionship of her pet cat, especially during challenging moments in her life.
Did you know:
Several famous colorized photos exist of Marilyn Monroe with Mitsou taken by the photographer Earl Leaf in 1951.
Along with her cat, she also owned dogs, including a chihuahua named Josepha and a poodle named Maf, gifted to her by Frank Sinatra.
In 1951, Marilyn was deeply involved with the care of Mitsou when the cat was pregnant, including preparing a bed for her, and calling a friend in the middle of the night to come when the cat went into labor.
7. Halle Berry
Halle Berry's role as catwoman turned her into a lifelong cat lover and mom to Boots, Coco and Bandit. She actively spays, neuters and finds homes for strays in her area. Her latest adoption is an adorable black and white kitten. Berry’s work rescuing stray animals highlights the importance of cat shelters and cat adoption efforts in protecting vulnerable animals.
Did You Know:
When Halle Berry played Catwoman she watched, studied and learned how cats think. She would crawl around her house, trying to get up on counters, and think, "If I were a cat, how would I get up there?"
In addition to her cats, she is also a mom to two Labradoodles.
She has her own "unofficial" cat rescue Hearts and Paws, where she works directly within her neighborhood to trap, neuter and spay kittens.
8. Martha Stewart
Lifestyle icon Martha Stewart is well known for her love of animals. Her home has long been filled with cats, dogs, and other animals that frequently appear on her social media channels. She keeps a large feline family at her home in Bedford, New York. She frequently documents their lives on her blog and social media page.
Did you know:
As of early 2025 she has six cats, including Persians, calicos, a tabby and a black cat. She favors Persians for their affectionate, "aristocratic" nature, often describing them as curious and cuddly.
The cats live in different areas of her estate, and she is known for grooming them extensively.
She promotes the Litter Genie to keep your cat litter clean and the room hygienic.
9. Vivien Leigh
Vivien Leigh, known for playing Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With The Wine" and Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire", was a devoted cat lover who adored Siamese cats. At one point she famously had 16 cats, that she took everywhere with her including to film sets and dressing rooms.
Did you know:
Her love for cats started when she was a child and would take them to bed with her at her convent boarding school.
Her first Siamese cat was gifted to her by Sir Laurence Olivier in 1946. She named him New Boy after London's New Theatre. He wore a Parisian collar, which was considered a good luck charm.
She traveled with her cats, including to Australia, and was often considered herself to have a cat-like personality and compared to a small, elegant, Siamese cat.
10. Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt was often considered to be the definitive Catwoman and nicknamed the "sex kitten". Famously photographed with cats throughout the years, the singer of the classic Santa Baby was known for purring like a cat onstage.
Did you know:
Eartha Kitt's cat Jinx refused to leave the dressing room while she performed onstage on Broadway.
In addition to Jinx, she owned two black cats, Mishak and Willow.
She attended the opening of the Meow Mix Cafe, a pop-up experience that encouraged cat owners to bring their felines to taste new wet food formulas.
The Evolution of the “Cat Lady”
The idea of the “cat lady” has changed over time. Once considered a stereotype, today it represents independence, creativity, and compassion for animals. From historic figures to modern celebrities, women who love cats have helped shape the culture of cat appreciation around the world.
Why Cat Lovers Create Beautiful Things
From artists and writers to musicians and entrepreneurs, cats have long inspired creativity and comfort.
At Comfort Diva, we celebrate that same spirit with whimsical cat gifts, cat home décor, and cozy cat-themed accessories designed for people who love cats.
Whether it’s a journal, kitchen towel, or cozy blanket, the goal is simple:
Bring a little joy into everyday life.
And to all of the Divas out there - Happy International Women's Day
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