Meet the Cats and Dogs Who Became Millionaires Overnight
Some pets have inherited fortunes or built wealth through fame, becoming millionaires overnight. From trust funds to social media empires, these stories highlight the deep bond between humans and their animals and how estate planning ensures pets live in comfort even after their owners are gone.
Animals inheriting fortunes sounds like something out of a fairytale but it has actually happened and made headlines around the world. Wealthy pet heirs are not just a quirky story as they reflect how deeply some owners love their cats and dogs. Here are five cats and dogs who became millionaires overnight by inheriting millions or living wealthy lives thanks to their humans.
Gunther VI the German Shepherd
Gunther VI is cited as the world’s richest pet. His fortune reported in the hundreds of millions came from a trust initially created by wealthy owners and managed by a corporation over generations. Gunther has been portrayed as living a lavish life with real estate investments and luxury assets tied to the trust.
Choupette the Cat
Choupette, the beloved Birman cat of the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld became a symbol of pet luxury. Lagerfeld made special provisions in his estate planning to ensure she would be cared for in style after his death and she continues to enjoy a life of comfort and fashion world attention.
Nala the Cat
Nala, one of Instagram’s most famous cats may not have inherited a traditional fortune but she built one. With millions of followers, brand deals and her own pet food company, Nala has earned millions through social media fame. Her story shows that modern pet millionaires are self-made.
Betty White’s Pontiac
Hollywood legend Betty White was a passionate animal lover. Her Golden Retriever, Pontiac, benefited from her careful estate planning and animal welfare trusts. While Pontiac did not inherit directly, White ensured that her pets and animal charities would always be financially supported securing Pontiac’s comfort and care.
Blackie the Cat
Blackie earned official recognition from Guinness World Records as one of the wealthiest cats ever after inheriting nearly $7 million (around $12.5 million) from his owner, British antiques dealer Ben Rea. The inheritance ensured Blackie lived in comfort with the majority of the estate earmarked for his wellbeing.
While it sounds unbelievable, pets inheriting millions is not just myth but it reflects how some owners use trusts and estate planning to protect their pets’ futures. Legally animals usually cannot directly inherit money but trusts are set up so that funds are dedicated to their lifelong care ensuring they stay comfortable and secure even after their humans are gone.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!