It’s International Cat Day, the one date in the calendar when even the most loyal dog lovers admit—cats run the internet. From ancient Egypt’s worshipped felines to today’s Instagram royalty, cats have never stopped expecting our admiration. But in 2025, they’re not just purring in sunbeams; they’re running full-blown empires, landing luxury brand deals, and earning more than most Hollywood celebrities.
These aren’t just pets. They’re “catfluencers” — feline superstars whose Instagram captions might be typed by humans, but whose attitude is pure whiskered royalty. They have merchandise lines, their own brands, and in some cases, bank balances in the millions.
Here are seven of the world’s most famous (and wealthiest) cats who’ve turned purrs into profit.
1. Nala Cat – From Shelter to $100 Million Star
Adopted from a shelter in 2012, Nala’s cross-eyed charm set her apart instantly. She now holds the Guinness World Record as the most-followed cat on Instagram, with 4.4 million followers.
Nala co-founded her own pet food brand Love, Nala, has partnerships with major pet companies, and sells merch that rivals Hello Kitty. Reportedly earning about £12,000 per sponsored post, her estimated net worth stands around $100 million — making her the closest thing to a Fortune 500 CEO who occasionally drools.
2. Maru – The King of Cardboard Boxes
This Scottish Fold from Japan went viral in 2008 for his comedic attempts to squeeze into every box he could find. His videos have been viewed over 500 million times, making him one of YouTube’s longest-running animal stars.
Maru doesn’t sell products — his fame rests entirely on the joy of box-related slapstick. Think Buster Keaton, but fluffier.
3. Monkey Cat Luna – The ASMR Sensation
Luna shot to fame after a video of her loudly crunching kibble went viral. With 2 million Instagram followers and some videos reaching 30 million views, Luna blends cute-pet appeal with oddly satisfying ASMR vibes. No gimmicks, just loud snacks, good lighting, and feline confidence.
4. Venus the Two-Face Cat – Nature’s Optical Illusion
With a perfectly split black-and-orange face and two different-coloured eyes (one blue, one green), Venus looks like she stepped out of Photoshop — but she’s all natural.
She has 2.2 million followers, regular TV appearances, and a legion of fan artists. Every day, she wakes up looking like a masterpiece without trying.
5. White Coffee Cat – The Cancer Survivor Turned Influencer
Known as Mr. White, this British Shorthair survived cancer thanks partly to donations from fans. Now healthy, he enjoys sponsored shoots, brand collaborations, and life alongside his equally famous sister, Nala Cat.
6. Kurt – Everyday Cat Chaos on Camera
Kurt is famous for simply being… a cat. His YouTube shorts capture relatable feline mischief: knocking things off counters, sulking in the car, and wandering PetSmart like a celebrity on a casual shopping trip. His newest sidekick? A kitten named Gary.
7. Stepan – Calm in the Storm
Living in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Stepan rose to fame for his stoic poses next to a glass of wine. His platform became a force for good during the war, raising humanitarian funds for Ukrainians in need. With 1.6 million followers, he proves cat fame can do more than entertain.
On International Cat Day, whether your cat’s a social media star or just your couch’s CEO, maybe treat them to an extra snack—or a fresh cardboard box. If history has taught us anything, it’s that cats don’t just rule the internet… they let us know it every single day.
