Top 10 wealthiest pets that inherit their owner’s fortune; they are richer than most individual today

Notions of family, legacy, and parental status are changing fast. With the rise of those who are choosing not to, or putting off, having kids altogether, pets are taking over the position typically filled by sons and daughters. They are, in fact, for some, full-fledged members of the family, complete with birthday bashes, holiday celebrations, and long-term planning for their future. In some rather unusual instances, these future included inheritances that made some pets millionaires. (Photo Credit: Google Images)

Tinker

One of the first and most discussed cases involving a pet owned by a wealthy person dates back to 2003. Tinker, a stray cat, was given a chance at a better life through a trust set up by a British widow named Margaret Layne. Margaret not only gave the cat a new home but also a chance at a secure future by setting up a trust in Tinker’s name, inheriting a mansion and a huge amount of money, totalling more than 800,000 dollars.

Choupette

There are few pet animals like Choupette who have attained celebrity status. The exquisite Burmese cat was owned by legendary fashion mogul Karl Lagerfeld. Choupette was already living in luxury long before her master, Lagerfeld, passed away in 2019. The reported fortune of Lagerfeld was said to be above $300 million; thus, his sought-after pet was also considered one of the most pampered pet animals in the world.

Trouble

Trouble, the name alone spelled trouble, and for this Maltese dog, that was certainly the case. This dog was the beloved pet of real estate mogul Leona Helmsley, who left her an inheritance worth millions of dollars. Although Leona Helmsley was known as the Queen of Mean, her love for Trouble was undeniable, and she made sure that her beloved pet would not suffer after her demise.

The Roddenberry Pets

The legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the maker of the renowned Star Trek television series, did not stop at engrossing human lives; rather, his widow, Majel Barrett Roddenberry, inherited his wealth accumulated from his famous creation, and when she passed away, provisions were made to ensure the comfort of their pets, enabling them to live off the family’s affluence.

Conchita, April Marie, and Lucia

This trio of little canines has all the looks and charm one would associate with an animated movie. There was Conchita, the Chihuahua; April Marie, the Maltese; and Lucia, the Yorkshire Terrier—the pets of deceased socialite Gail Posner, who was based in Miami, Florida. The daughter of billionaire businessman Victor Posner, Gail had the means for her pets to live comfortably even beyond her death.

Blackie

Blackie, a black-coloured cat from the United Kingdom, had a peculiar claim to fame during his lifetime. He was the owner of the largest inheritance, and Guinness World Records named him the wealthiest cat in the world. Despite not being very vocal, he attained international fame through his wealth.

Tommaso

Italy’s Tommaso has one of the most heartwarming stories on the list. Once abandoned, the cat was taken in by a wealthy woman who later made him her sole heir. His inheritance, worth millions, placed him among the richest cats ever and showed how drastically a pet’s fate can change.

Gigoo

Perhaps the most unexpected heir of all is Gigoo, a hen. Owned by an eccentric and extremely wealthy individual, Gigoo inherited a fortune that shocked many. Her story proves that when it comes to love and legacy, even a chicken can become a millionaire.

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