Choupette, the Chic Millionaire Cat
Since the death of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld on February 19, news of the inheritance of part of his £300 million fortune to his cat, Choupette, became all the rage on social media.
Wearing a black veil, Choupette is now almost as famous as her master, with over 300,000 followers on her instagram account.
“Thank you everyone for your words of condolence,” she “wrote” on her account. “With a once cold but now simply broken heart, I am going into mourning. I pray that your kind words and well-wishes will help me to put my best paw forward in my future without daddy.”
Since her adoption by “daddy” Lagerfeld about seven years ago, the Birman cat became famous for her lavish lifestyle with maids, hairdressers and chefs that cater to her every need. She even has a collection of diamond necklaces. “Even if she sleeps, she doesn’t want to be alone. She’s a chic lady, like a kept woman with her personal maid,” Lagerfeld once said in an interview with CNBC. Choupette has her own bedroom, with a full sound system, and eats her meals from dishes made of crystal and travels on private jets.
Lagerfeld gave her part of his fortune to allow her to continue living the high life. As a celebrity, the pet earned over $3 million in sponsorships and ads. This is in addition to serving as an ambassador for automobile manufacturer, Opel, and being the subject of two books. She also has her own line of luxury cat products: Cheshire & Wain.
As a cat, Choupette is not legally entitled to inherit in France, but there are ways to avoid that ban through a trust or an organization dedicated to animals.
Lagerfeld is not the first celebrity to do this. Alexander McQueen left £50,000 to the caretaker of his three dogs. Leona Helmsley left $12 million to her dog, although it was later reduced to $2 million after a judge considered that the initial amount exceeded what is necessary to care for a dog.
