14 Richest Pets in the World (With Pictures)
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The world is filled with wealthy pets that live a life of luxury. Some are lucky enough to earn more than most humans could ever dream of. From celebrity pets to animals who inherited their fortune, we’ve rounded up the top 15 richest pets in the world. Get ready to meet some really rich furballs!
The 14 Richest Pets in the World
1. Gunther IV – $375 million
| Species: | Dog |
| Owner: | German Countess Karlotta Liebenstein |
Gunther IV is a German Shepherd who inherited his fortune from his father, Gunther III. Gunther IV’s wealth comes from real estate investments, making him the richest dog in the world. Gunther IV reportedly bought a mansion previously owned by Madonna, complete with a personal recording studio.
2. Grumpy Cat – $100 million
| Species: | Cat |
| Owner: | Tabatha Bundesen |
Grumpy Cat became an internet sensation in 2012 when a photo of her went viral. Since then, she’s become a household name with her own merchandise and even a movie. Sadly, Grumpy Cat passed away in 2019, but her legacy lives on. Despite her name, Grumpy Cat was actually a very sweet and friendly cat in real life.
3. Blackie – $25 million
| Species: | Cat |
| Owner: | Ben Rea |
Blackie was a British cat who inherited his fortune from his owner, composer Ben Rea. When Rea died, he left his entire £7 million fortune to Blackie, making him the richest cat in the world at the time. Blackie was known for being aloof and not particularly fond of people.
4. Tommaso – $13 million
| Species: | Cat |
| Owner: | Maria Assunta |
Tommaso’s owner, Maria Assunta, was an Italian heiress who left her entire fortune to her beloved feline friend when she passed away. Tommaso now lives the high life with a caretaker who takes care of all of his needs. Tommaso was a stray cat that Maria Assunta found and took in, and now he’s one of the richest cats in the world.
5. Trouble – $12 million
| Species: | Dog |
| Owner: | Leona Helmsley |
Trouble was the beloved Maltese of real estate tycoon Leona Helmsley. When Helmsley passed away, she left $12 million to Trouble in her will. Trouble’s inheritance sparked controversy, with some people arguing that animals should not be eligible to inherit large sums of money.
6. Gigoo – $10 million
| Species: | Chicken |
| Owner: | Sir John and Lady Caroline Evely |
Gigoo was a prize-winning chicken that inherited her fortune from her owners, Sir John and Lady Caroline Evely. The couple was known for their love of animals and left their entire £10 million fortune to Gigoo when they passed away. Gigoo reportedly lived a life of luxury in a special coop complete with a chandelier and a four-poster bed.
7. Bart the Bear – $6 million
| Species: | Grizzly Bear |
| Owner: | Doug Seus |
Bart the Bear was a Hollywood movie star that earned his fortune from his roles in films and commercials. Bart passed away in 2000, but his legacy still lives on in the film industry. Bart was known for his gentle demeanor and the ability to perform a variety of tricks on screen.
8. Conchita – $3 million
| Species: | Dog |
| Owner: | Gail Posner |
Conchita was another lucky pet who inherited her fortune from her owner Gail Posner. The pampered Chihuahua reportedly had her own designer wardrobe and lived in a luxurious mansion. After her death, Conchita’s inheritance was the subject of a legal battle between Gail Posner’s family members.
9. Esther – $3 million
| Species: | Cow |
| Owner: | Sam Brown |
Esther is a cow from Kansas that inherited her fortune from her owner, Sam Brown. He reportedly left her with $3 million when he passed away in 2011. Esther has inspired animal rights activists and is often called the “richest cow in the world.” She even has her own website and line of merchandise.
10. Bubbles – $2 million
| Species: | Chimp |
| Owner: | Michael Jackson |
Bubbles was Michael Jackson’s pet chimpanzee and reportedly inherited $2 million from the late pop star. Chimpanzees are highly intelligent animals, and Bubbles was known for his love of music and was even taught how to play the piano.
11. Giggy – $2 million
| Species: | Dog |
| Owner: | Lisa Vanderpump |
Giggy is the beloved Pomeranian of reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump. Giggy has made several appearances on Vanderpump’s shows and has even launched his own Instagram account. Giggy is known for his unique sense of style and has been photographed wearing various designer outfits.
12. Tinkerbell – $1 million
| Species: | Dog |
| Owner: | Paris Hilton |
Tinkerbell was a Chihuahua that was once owned by socialite Paris Hilton and reportedly inherited $1 million from her former owner’s estate, but unfortunately, Tinkerbell passed away in 2015. Tinkerbell had her own clothing line and book series and even appeared alongside Paris Hilton in The Simple Life TV show. She also reportedly earned $1,000 per appearance. Her likeness was even turned into a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. She was also the original inspiration for the Paris Hilton Handbag line.
13. Olivia Benson – $97,000
| Species: | Cat |
| Owner: | Taylor Swift |
Olivia Benson is Taylor Swift’s pet cat and has appeared in several of the singer’s music videos. She even has her own Instagram account that has more than 1 million followers. Olivia Benson was named after Mariska Hargitay’s character on the TV show Law & Order: SVU.
14. Boo – $1,500 per month
| Species: | Dog |
| Owner: | J.H. Lee |
Boo is a Pomeranian owned by J.H. Lee, the founder of a pet food company. Boo has his own line of merchandise and reportedly earns $1,500 in royalties each month. Boo was named the world’s cutest dog by Guinness World Records in 2014.
Conclusion
From Leona Helmsley’s beloved pooch Trouble to Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua Tinkerbell, these pets have been blessed with incredible wealth. Sadly, many of them are no longer around to enjoy the fruits of their owners’ labor, but they will always be remembered for their unique and special stories. Whether it was getting their own clothing line or earning thousands per appearance, these furry friends certainly made the most out of their time in the spotlight.
- Related Read: 6 Richest Dogs in the World (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: FOTOGRIN, Shutterstock
