While most pets are content with a warm bed and a treat or two, some animals live in million-dollar homes, eat gourmet meals, and have trust funds that rival celebrity bank accounts. Whether they were left fortunes through wills or became brand empires on four legs, these lucky pets have lifestyles most of us only dream about. Here’s a look at six incredible animals whose wealth turned them into legends—and had scientists, lawyers, and the public doing a double take.
Gunther IV – The German Shepherd with a $400 Million Fortune
Gunther IV isn’t just one of the richest pets in the world—he might be the richest being in some circles. The German Shepherd was said to have inherited $400 million from his predecessor, Gunther III, who allegedly inherited the fortune from German countess Karlotta Leibenstein. But here’s the twist: the whole story was later revealed to be a stunt orchestrated by entrepreneur Maurizio Mian to attract media attention. That said, the trust controlling Gunther’s fortune is real and includes investments in luxury real estate, including Madonna’s former mansion in Miami. Gunther even had staff, a chef, and lived like a four-legged royal. While the origin story may be questionable, the money—and the dog’s lavish lifestyle—are very real.
Tommaso – The Stray Cat Turned Millionaire
Tommaso went from wandering the streets of Rome to lounging in luxury. The black stray cat was adopted by Maria Assunta, a wealthy Italian property heiress with no children. When she passed away in 2011, she left a staggering $13 million to Tommaso through a will. The fortune, which includes homes and assets across Italy, was entrusted to her longtime nurse, who promised to care for Tommaso in secrecy to avoid media attention. To this day, Tommaso’s exact location is kept private, but what’s certain is that he’s one of the wealthiest felines in the world—living proof that a loving heart and a legal will can turn a homeless cat into an Italian aristocrat.
Trouble – The Maltese with a $12 Million Trust Fund
Leona Helmsley, the infamous New York real estate tycoon known as the “Queen of Mean,” made headlines in 2007 when she left $12 million to her beloved Maltese dog, Trouble. She also cut two of her grandchildren out of the will entirely. Trouble’s fortune was later reduced to $2 million by a judge, but that was still more than enough to cover a luxe lifestyle: gourmet food, a $100,000-a-year security detail (due to kidnapping threats), and a full-time caretaker. Trouble lived out her golden years in style, passing away in 2011. She may be gone, but she remains one of the most famous examples of how pampered a pet can get when legal trusts meet unconditional love.
Gigoo – The Hen with a $15 Million Nest Egg
Gigoo the Scots Dumpy hen may have looked like any ordinary farm bird, but she was the unexpected heir to a $15 million fortune. Her owner, Miles Blackwell, a British publishing mogul and animal lover, left a large chunk of his estate to care for her after his death. He had already sold his business to focus on rare livestock breeding, and his love for animals carried on through his will. Gigoo was reportedly housed in a custom-designed coop on a peaceful English estate, living out her days with the kind of care most chickens never dream of. The trust also supported animal charities, but Gigoo remained its most feathered beneficiary.
Blackie – The Cat Who Outlived His Heirs
Blackie, a reclusive black cat, shocked the world when his owner, British antique dealer Ben Rea, left him a $12.5 million inheritance. Rea, a wealthy and eccentric man, bypassed all of his relatives and instead gave the bulk of his estate to animal charities—with Blackie as the primary symbol of his affection. The money was placed in trust, and Blackie’s luxurious care was overseen by trusted friends and animal welfare groups. He spent his days quietly at home, completely unaware of his record-breaking wealth. Blackie’s inheritance earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records and raised eyebrows everywhere.
See how Blackie became the world’s wealthiest cat
Grumpy Cat – The Internet Sensation with a Multimillion-Dollar Brand
Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, didn’t inherit money—she earned it. With her famous frown and viral internet presence, Grumpy Cat became one of the most recognized faces online. Her owner, Tabatha Bundesen, built a brand empire that included merchandise, TV appearances, books, and even a movie. Some reports claimed Grumpy Cat earned over $100 million, though her owner later disputed that figure. Still, there’s no question that the feline lived like royalty, traveling first-class and staying in plush hotels. Her life was short—she passed away at seven—but her wealth and legacy are forever.
