Talk about pampered pets — imagine being the heir to a vast fortune, but all you care about are kibbles, snuggles, and scratches. There are some animals who lucked out in the owner department, and were left with millions of dollars for their care. Here are pets that are famous in history for having enormous amounts of money.
1. Trouble
Net Worth: $2 Million
Trouble, a Maltese owned by famed hotel magnate Leona Helmsley, received a $12 million trust fund when Helmsley passed away in 2007. A legal battle ensued over the inheritance, as relatives were cut out of the will in favor of the spoiled pup. A judge ended up knocking down the dogs’ inheritance to a “measly” $2 million, still allowing for a life of luxury until the pup died in 2011.
2. Conchita
Net Worth: $11.4 Million
Conchita the Chihuahua was owned by Gail Posner, an American socialite and heiress, who left the dog a $3 million trust fund and an $8.4 million mansion when Posner died in 2010. Known as “one of the world’s most spoiled dogs”, Conchita was left her very own staff to cater to her every need in a seven-bedroom mansion, as well as jewelry, a wardrobe, and even a Cadillac.
3. Blackie
Net Worth: $12.5 Million
Blackie, an aristocratic British cat, received $12.5 million when his antiques dealer owner Ben Rea died in 1988. Blackie was bequeathed by the Guiness Book of World Records as the “wealthiest cat” after Rea ignored his family in his will in favor of his pet and various cat charities.
4. Tommasino
Net Worth: $13 Million
When Italian Maria Assunta passed away in 2011, she had no living relatives, so she left her entire estate to her cat Tommasino, making him the third richest animal in the world. Assunta left instructions with her attorneys for her money to be given to an animal welfare association along with the the care of Tommasino.
5. Gigoo
Net Worth: $15 Million
Gigoo was one well-off hen. Publishing tycoon Miles Blackwell and his wife had a hobby farm of rare livestock, but the couple died unexpectedly within weeks of each other. They left much of their money to charities, but $15 million went to their favorite fowl.
6. Toby Rimes
New Worth: $20 Million
Toby Rimes, a New York City poodle, inherited a fortune when his wealthy widow owner died in 1931. However, Toby’s riches may be something of an urban legend. There was allegedly a poodle named Toby owned by real estate heir Ella Wendel, but beyond that, a story of millions being passed down between generations of poodles named Toby may be just that — a story.
7. Grumpy Cat
Net Worth: $100 Million
Here’s a “self-made” rich pet of sorts. Grumpy Cat, real name Tardar Sauce, gained fame as an internet sensation due to her perpetually grumpy facial expression. She made her money through endorsements, appearances, merchandise, and media ventures. Sadly, the scowling feline that rose to fame as the most relatable meme on the internet, passed away in 2019 at the age of 7.
8. Gunther IV
Net Worth: $400 Million
German Shepard Gunther IV is perhaps the wealthiest pet in history, after inheriting a fortune from his father, Gunther III. German Countess Karlotta Liebenstein left the original Gunther $80 million, which grew to $400 million thanks to a friend of the countess’s late son who was left in charge of managing the money. However, the story of Gunther may be a tall tale. The dog was the subject of a Netflix documentary, “Gunther’s Millions,” which unpacks the various stories surrounding the wealthy pup.
