TL;DR
Karl Lagerfeld’s cat, Choupette, is believed to be the main beneficiary of the designer’s estate, potentially making her the richest cat in the world. Lagerfeld often spoke of her as a high-society figure, and she reportedly earned millions from advertising campaigns.
Karl Lagerfeld’s estate is believed to have been left to his cat, Choupette, making her potentially the richest cat in the world, according to sources close to the designer’s estate and rumors circulating in June 2026.
Since Lagerfeld’s death in 2019, the exact details of his estate have not been publicly disclosed due to French inheritance laws. However, reports suggest that his fortune, estimated at more than $200 million, may have been left to Choupette, his beloved Birman cat, who Lagerfeld often described as his greatest love.
Choupette gained fame during Lagerfeld’s lifetime, earning millions from advertising campaigns and authoring books about her luxurious lifestyle. Lagerfeld publicly referred to her as a wealthy individual, claiming she had her own fortune from her work in fashion and advertising.
Why It Matters
This development highlights the growing phenomenon of pets inheriting substantial wealth, raising questions about estate planning, inheritance laws, and the cultural perception of animals as heirs. It also underscores Lagerfeld’s unique relationship with Choupette, which has fascinated the fashion world and the public alike.

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Background
Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, known for his work with Chanel and Fendi, died in 2019. Since then, speculation about his estate has persisted, with no official confirmation. Choupette, introduced to Lagerfeld in 2011, became a symbol of his eccentric lifestyle and was frequently featured in media reports about his personal life. The idea that she may inherit his fortune has circulated among fashion insiders and media outlets, but details remain unverified.
“She is the center of the world. If you saw her, you would understand. She is kind of Greta Garbo.”
— Karl Lagerfeld (public statements)
“There is no official confirmation, but rumors suggest that Choupette may be the primary beneficiary of Lagerfeld’s estate.”
— Lagerfeld’s biographer, William Middleton

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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet confirmed whether Choupette is officially the beneficiary of Lagerfeld’s estate. French law keeps such details private, and no legal documents have been publicly disclosed. The exact value of the estate and the distribution plan remain unknown.

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What’s Next
Legal proceedings or official estate disclosures are expected in the coming months, which may clarify whether Choupette inherits Lagerfeld’s fortune. Further reports may emerge from estate executors or legal sources.

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Key Questions
Is it confirmed that Choupette inherited Karl Lagerfeld’s estate?
No, it is not confirmed. The inheritance details are private under French law, and reports are based on rumors and unofficial sources.
How much is Lagerfeld’s estate estimated to be worth?
Estimates suggest more than $200 million, but the exact figure has not been publicly verified.
Could Choupette really be the richest cat in the world?
Based on public statements about her earnings and Lagerfeld’s affection, she could be among the wealthiest, but definitive proof is lacking.
What happens if Choupette inherits the estate?
If confirmed, she would be one of the few animals to inherit a substantial fortune, raising legal and ethical questions about pet inheritance.