Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift

by Farrin Jacobs

The first book featuring the true story of the loves of Taylor Swift’s life: her cats!

Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button are much more than footnotes in the story of Taylor Swift’s life. They’re in her music videos and ads, they’re on magazine covers with her and all over her social media, and they even travel with her when she goes on tour. With adorable, full-color art, Karma Is a Cat is the first book to feature their inspawring stories. Discover the facts behind the fur and find all kinds of hidden messages in this purrfect read for Taylor Swift fans and cat lovers of all ages!

In these pages, you’ll find:
• The story of their adoptions
• Fun facts about their breeds and personalities
• Adorable illustrations of events in their lives
• And so much meowre!

Get to know these feline siblings as they experience life with one of the biggest superstars on the planet!

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Cats, Picture Books, Biography, Animals, Pop Culture

64 pages, Hardcover

Published January 7, 2025

Reviews

[Kate Bowden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this book in my Easter basket. I’m mildly embarrassed to admit that in 60 pages i didn’t learn anything I didn’t already know about Taylor Swift’s cats, but the illustrations were so cute. Benjamin Button Swift is my favorite nepo baby 😽 meow

[Gaby G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review posted at Oh My Books! Blog

I absolutely loved Karma is a Cat!

It tells us the story of three adorable felines, Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift, who are famous for being Taylor Swift cats. All of them have different adoption stories and share some fun facts about their owner. I really like Taylor Swift but I just recently started to follow her more so there where lots of facts that I didn't know.

It's such a cute book; the illustrations by Katty Huertas are beautiful, giving it a fun and cute feeling. I even looked her up on Instagram @kattyhuertas to see what other books she may have illustrated. It was a great surprise to find out she is Colombian.

If you love cats and are a fan of Taylor Swift, this one is a must-read!


Thank you Netgalley for providing a copy for review.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute, fun, quick read about the lives of Taylor Swift’s cats, Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin. None of the information is going to be new to Swifties, but it’s still fun to look back at how Taylor’s cats have been referenced in her work, and her history of being a cat lady.

My favorite part was the spread of all the cat breeds Taylor named when she was challenged by Jimmy Fallon to name as many as she could in 30 seconds. I’m not saying she’s neurodivergent, but I also spent my childhood memorizing cat breeds, I’m just saying.

I would certainly recommend this as a fun little gift for any cat loving Swifties in your life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg it would have been so easy to just call this a cash grab and on its face that’s what it kind of is? But, as it turns out this book was created with love and care and the illustrations are great. I am a sucker for the color palate too.
🐱🪩💿🎤

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I would not consider myself a fan of Taylor Swift's music. But I am a fan of cats and this book was so cute. It focuses on her cats specifically and gives you all the basic information about the breed and her cats. It has sections for each cat and then more information about Taylor Swift. This will be an excellent gift for any Swift fan.

4 stars

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A trip down memory lane for Swifties.
This was such a cute, fun, quick read about Taylor Swift’s cats (Doctor Meredith Grey, Detective Olivia Benson & Benjamin Button) while also touching base on Taylor’s incredible career.

[Rian · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who don't know much about Taylor's famous cats (and also if you do), this book provides a fun and interesting introduction. It not only gives you a little peek into the cats their life and personalities, but also hints at the universal love for cats that Taylor and so many people worldwide have and that is lovely. (The cat-loving energy was high!)

This book is filled with illustrations and they are all absolutely amazing! They are packed with easter eggs, just like Taylor's lyrics and music videos are always filled with hints and references. It's kind of like a treasure hunt for Swifties. Whether you are spotting references to iconic moments or just enjoying the cute artwork, there is so much to see.
Despite being full of information, the book is wonderfully light and cozy-feeling, and easy to read. It is educational yet relaxing, and informative without feeling dense. It's an enjoyable feel-good read with fluffy drawings and cute colours, and it made me really happy.

I got this book as an arc, but I wrote my thoughts completely voluntarily.

[Shannon Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an adorable little book! 🥰

[Hannah Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little Swiftie book geared towards young Swifties. The illustrations are absolutely adorable. Showed this to one of my favorite Swiftie students and he's begging for a copy for the library.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so stinking cute! Meredith, Olivia, and Benji are the sweetest trio of cats.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a physical copy of this book on Goodreads. It’s a super cute book on Taylor Swifts cats. I thought it was quick read and had some cool facts I didn’t know in it. I really, really enjoyed the illustrations and graphics.

[erin ◡̈ macadaeg · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4.5 stars⭐️
This is such a cute read for all swifties and cat lovers! As a huge swiftie and book lover, I’m so excited to add this cute little book to my book shelf and Taylor Swift book collection. The illustrations are amazing and I love the little sprinkles of Easter eggs throughout the book. This would be a great gift for swifties of all ages!

Thank you Ten Speed Press, Crown Publishing and Penguin Random House for gifting me this book

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute! I like that it talked about why we don't see Meredith very often. And the illustrations were adorable; I especially loved the ones of the cats as album covers. ♥️

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC eGalley

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift by Farrin Jacobs from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley. It should be published on January 7, 2025.

Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift by Farrin Jacobs is the PURRfect book for the Taylor Swift fan and/or the cat lover. Some might think this is a children's book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I am 50 years old. Now, some might say I am a bit biased as I am a Swiftie and a bit of a cat lady myself. However, I think I looked at this book through an impartial and critical lens. It was so fun! The illustrations by Katty Huertas are fantastic and really capture the spirit of this precious trio and their mother. Yes, I read it in one sitting. Yes, I did go back to look at parts of it again and to enjoy the illustrations. Yes, you should buy a copy for the Swiftie(s) in your life. They will thank you.

[Jordan Vitick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll consume any Taylor Swift media, and this book was actually better than I thought it would be. The illustrations were the best part—smart and clever. Like her three cats illustrated as Haim’s album cover? Love that. I enjoyed the facts about the cats’ breeds as well as information about the benefits of adopting and owning cats. There was information about adoption organizations as well.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for an advanced reader copy of #KarmaIsACat. To be published Jan. 7, 2025.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Swiftie, I love all the books that have been geared towards encouraging young fans. But this one is unique, introducing Taylor’s fur babies to the young fans too! The artwork is beautiful and funny, and the story is informative not just about Taylor’s cats, but all furry friends and how they can become part of the family. I love it!

[Amanda Gjokaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course i requested this on netgalley when i saw it! It was so so cute! The art style was adorable and i loved learning more about ragdoll and Scottish folds. It was humorous to hear that mer is basically like my cat Rosie lol. I’m sure they’d be besties. I’ll def be buying this for my niece. & the information on adoption at the end was purrfect.

[Marissa Lasoff-Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

As a Swiftie and a cat lady, I gravitated toward this book immediately. It was a fun mix of entertaining memories about Taylor’s cats and informative facts about their breeds. I also loved the artwork. I recommend this book to any young Swifties who are looking for a book beyond Taylor’s general biography.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a devoted cat lover and a fan of Taylor Swift, I was thrilled to dive into "Karma Is a Cat," the first book dedicated to the true stories of Swift's beloved feline companions. With its charming narrative and vibrant illustrations, Farrin Jacobs has crafted a delightful homage to these three furry muses: Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift. This enchanting book is sure to charm not only Swifties but any animal lover with a soft spot for incredible stories of love and companionship.

From the outset, Jacobs captures the whimsical connection between Taylor and her three cats, presenting them as integral parts of her life rather than mere pets. The narrative gracefully intertwines their backstories—from their heartwarming adoptions to their unique personalities—allowing readers to appreciate how each cat enriches Taylor's existence. Jacobs shines when detailing how these cats have influenced Taylor's music and public persona, making it clear that they are not just side characters but key players in her journey.

One of the most delightful aspects of this book is the adorable illustrations that accompany the text. Each page bursts with vibrancy, bringing to life the antics and adventures of Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin. The illustrations serve as a beautiful visual storytelling tool, enhancing the connection readers feel with the cats. Jacobs expertly balances humor, fun facts, and information about cat breeds, making it informative and engaging for all ages. This cocktail of entertainment and education ensures that readers come away with a deeper appreciation for these charming felines.

Moreover, Jacobs's knack for storytelling shines through as she includes various anecdotes that highlight the cats' personalities, often punctuated with puns and playful language. The book is filled with heartwarming tidbits about how Taylor's life intertwines with her furry friends, offering fans an insider glimpse into the superstar's world. It's a celebration of creativity, love, and the bond between humans and animals that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

"Karma Is a Cat" is not merely a book about pets; it's a captivating exploration of the joy and companionship that animals bring into our lives. Perfect as a gift for any Swiftie, it's a thoughtful present that is both endearing and meaningful. So whether you’re a die-hard Taylor Swift enthusiast or a passionate cat lover, this book promises an enchanting experience that resonates on every page. In a world where kindness and love matter, Jacobs reminds us through these furry tales that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories come with four paws and a purr.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review will be live on my blog - donnasbookblog on 7 January 2025 - publication day!

I am not a Swiftie by any means but I will admit that if one of her songs that I know comes on the radio I will have a bit of a hum or even a mini sing along, but even with fairly limited knowledge of the lady herself, I do know how much she loves her three cats, and is a fan of cats in general (she is a real advocate) and it was that which drew me to this book, having adopted two kittens in April.

The book has some lovely art work and illustrations and I liked the stories of their cheekiness and also that they get their own little sections too. The book tells too that she is a great supporter of rescues and giving cats a second chance too - a massive plus from me with her that she wants to save animals.

It's not a complicated read, its a bit of fun, lighthearted and will be a welcome addition to the bookcase of any Swifties out there! It is 4 stars from me for this one

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Karma is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift” is a sweet look at the life stories of Taylor Swift’s cats. The illustrations focus on the cats who appear in their own portraits, but also on Swift’s album covers. There is a timeline of Swift’s career and the lives of the cats as well as thumbnail size images of all of the cat breeds Swift named on late night TV. The end of the book has great information on where to go to adopt cats from shelters. In other words, the cats are the real stars of this book.

The origin story of the names of the cats is fun and demonstrates how and why our furry friends get the names they do.

This book is great for fans of Taylor Swift or cats (or both!). It’s a great addition to Swift collectibles. If you’re wondering if you should get the book, the answer is yes.

I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Moni Lusz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As it appears on my Facebook page Moni's Reading Journey
I also gave my niece this book to read, as she is 11, and I felt like this is more targeted towards that age group. This is what she said:
The book is 4.5 stars 🌟, but it's rounded up to 5. The book talks about how her cats are a big part of Taylor's career and how she couldn't have achieved anything without her cats, as many anecdotes are about the cats and the behind writing songs with her cats or inspired by them . The book is good because it's about cats, and my niece loves cats. It lists facts about cats, there are funny stories about Taylor's cats and how mischievous they are, the pictures were beautiful, she promotes animal adoption and love. Taylor talks about how she values her cats and takes them on tour with her, in the recording studio, and how she talks about them each time she is invited to a talk show.
The book has the perfect length, has plenty of pictures, and references to how inspirational cats are. There are no negative comments about this book, except that my nieces felt this is a book oriented towards 7,8 and 9 years old, but that Taylor's fans would buy it because it's about Taylor.
I received this book as ARC (advance reader copy) from Goodreads in exchange for an honest opinion and review.

[Bex Buckelew-Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Ten Speed publishing for this ARC Karma Is A Cat. Typically, I don’t read these “cash grab” books that use Taylor and her successful career to make a quick buck. This one was completely different than all the others because it was about Taylor’s cats. Finally a book that doesn’t talk about all of the same facts Swifties know and have known for over a decade in some cases.

The story goes into fun depth of how the cats came to be beloved family members to one of the worlds biggest icons as well as gives great facts on what breeds they are and facts about the breeds.

It even tells you great information on how you can adopt a sweet cat of your own.

The illustration was impeccable and made my heart smile.

[Sharondblk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is sweet, silly and kind. Like the other Taylor Swift books I've reviewed there is no special access or inside information - it's basically all taken from Instagram or public interviews. Still, the perspective from the cats is adorable, the illustrations are very nice and the whole book has a cheerful wholesome feel. As a bonus, there is encouragement to adopt cats from shelters, and just a lot of positivity about cats. this would be a sweet gift for a Taylor obsessed teen, or a cute gift for an adult, if done ironically.

I was given an e-Arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aw, this book is just so adorable!

In these pages, we can find the story of how the 3 cats became part of the Swift family, the inspiration behind their names, interesting facts about their breeds, and the fun times they had out and about. There are so many beautiful illustrations—seriously, even her album covers have been reimagined with cats. I just love it! It’s a short, sweet read. I do wish there were some real photos included alongside the illustrations, but I understand that would be challenging.

Thanks to Ten Speed Press for the ARC!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this because I saw the ad on Instagram and sent my group chat a joking message "do I need this?" and they all encouraged me, so here we are. They're a bad influence, but I'm thankful.
This was fun! Obviously I'm not the target audience. Also, as a Swiftie since 2008, there is nothing new I could possibly learn from this. But it was fun!
I particularly loved the illustrations of the cats as Taylor's album covers and the portraits of the cats she names in that Jimmy Fallon interview.
What a silly book for me to own, but I regret NOTHING!

[Mike Heenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!

While this book is very short, the illustrations really make for a quick but enjoyable experience. There is not much in the way of new or detailed information, but it's a good addition to all of the information available about Taylor Swift that's out there.

Any Taylor Swift fan will enjoy this read and it will take you less than an hour!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, quick read. My cousin is a Taylor Swift fan and loves cats, so she truly is going to love this book. Interesting facts about Meredith, Olivia, and Benjamin. Oh yeah, and Taylor, too. The illustrations are just beautiful. Benjamin, with those blue eyes too cute. If you are a cat lover, you will absolutely love this book, and even if you aren't, you'll still like it too. I won this book on goodreads-giveaways.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may dislike cats a lot, but this book was adorable and educational! Add in all of the Taylor Swift tidbits and it’s a really quick read. I love how, at the end, it’s promoting the adoption of cats and giving the reader statistics about how many cats don’t have homes.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complementary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the author and the publisher. This book is adorable! A great book for Taylor Swift and or cat lovers. The stories about her three cats are precious and I love their little stat sheets. The illustrations are great and the Easter Eggs are so cool!