The image of Choupette, a blue-cream Birman cat with piercing eyes, sitting amidst the hushed, high-fashion surroundings of the late Karl Lagerfeld’s Paris home remains one of the most enduring symbols of modern celebrity. Since the legendary designer’s death on February 19, 2019, the cat has been frequently dubbed the “richest cat in the world” by international media. Yet, more than seven years after the passing of the man who led both Chanel and Fendi, the reality behind this feline fortune remains caught in a complex web of legal uncertainty and rumor.
While reports from outlets like Bloomberg and The Guardian initially estimated Lagerfeld’s estate at upwards of $200 million, the actual distribution of these assets remains a private matter under French law. Despite persistent speculation that Choupette would inherit a substantial portion of the designer’s wealth, direct bequests to animals are not recognized under the French Civil Code. Instead, the narrative of the “rich girl” cat has been sustained by a blend of genuine, if modest, commercial success and the enduring mythos crafted by Lagerfeld himself.
The Reality of a Pet Influencer
For those expecting a feline with a personal bank account, the reality is far more conventional. Lucas Bérullier, the director of My Pet Agency, has served as Choupette’s agent since the summer following Lagerfeld’s death. He clarifies that the professional life of the world’s most famous cat is governed by strict, practical considerations rather than unlimited wealth. “The law is the law,” Bérullier notes. “A cat can’t own a bank account.”
Courtesy of Lucas Bérullier
A photo of a private-jet trip that Choupette took with Lagerfeld to New York, posted to her official Instagram account.
While Lagerfeld once claimed in 2014 that Choupette earned over $3 million from campaigns for brands like Opel and Shu Uemura, Bérullier explains that these figures were heavily tied to Lagerfeld’s own involvement as a photographer and art director. Today, commercial opportunities are screened to ensure they align with the designer’s legacy and animal-welfare standards. The current income generated by Choupette, while sufficient to ensure her comfort, is a far cry from the multimillion-dollar rumors that continue to circulate in tabloid press.
Inside the Legal Labyrinth
The settlement of the Lagerfeld estate has been famously protracted, complicated by international tax investigations and the death of the designer’s long-time accountant, Lucien Frydlender, in 2024. Documents suggest that the will, reportedly drafted in April 2016, includes several close associates, such as bodyguard Sébastien Jondeau and models Baptiste Giabiconi and Brad Kroenig. However, the exact division of assets remains unconfirmed.
Françoise Caçote, Lagerfeld’s former housekeeper and Choupette’s devoted caretaker, remains at the center of the ongoing legal proceedings. Addressing the persistent reports that she has already received millions, Caçote states, “I want to be completely transparent: today, we have received absolutely nothing. Given the situation’s complexity, I have had to hire expensive lawyers to claim the inheritance in my name and ensure that Karl’s wishes are properly respected.”
Courtesy of Lucas Bérullier
Françoise Caçote, who maintains the daily care of Choupette in Paris.
The Evolution of a Cultural Icon
The Choupette brand was not always managed by those closest to the designer. For years, the popular social media accounts were operated by Ashley Tschudin, a marketing professional who created the persona as a creative outlet. While this digital presence helped define the “high-fashion feline” archetype, legal and professional friction eventually led to the transition of the brand to official representation. This shift reflects the broader, often surreal, nature of managing a legacy that exists somewhere between a beloved pet and a global luxury brand.
Despite the public interest and the high-profile attempts to involve Choupette in events like the 2023 Met Gala, the cat’s life remains focused on her domestic routine. As Caçote notes, the primary goal is not the accumulation of wealth, but ensuring that Choupette remains protected and happy in the environment Lagerfeld provided for her.
Summary of Known Status
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| Inheritance | Legal settlement ongoing. no funds confirmed received. |
| Legal Standing | Animals cannot own bank accounts under French law. |
| Caretaker | Françoise Caçote continues to provide primary care. |
| Representation | Managed by My Pet Agency for select, cruelty-free collaborations. |
The saga of the estate appears to be approaching a final chapter. Recent reports from the German magazine Bunte suggest that while a settlement with French tax authorities was reached in late 2025, the finalization of the will has faced subsequent challenges from parties seeking to contest the distribution. As the legal process continues, the most important aspect for those involved remains the welfare of the cat who, for a brief, dazzling moment, became the most famous pet in the world.
Disclaimer: This article provides information based on public reports and interviews and does not constitute legal or financial advice regarding estate planning or inheritance laws.
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