Seven years after Karl Lagerfeld's death, his beloved cat Choupette has reportedly received nothing from the inheritance that once fueled headlines claiming she would become the world's richest feline. Françoise Caçote, Lagerfeld's former housekeeper and Choupette's caretaker, revealed to The Atlantic that she and the cat have yet to receive any of the expected fortune. This situation has led to a complex legal battle, with Caçote hiring expensive lawyers to navigate the inheritance process and ensure Karl's wishes are respected. Choupette, a 14-year-old Birman cat, now resides in Paris with Caçote, her husband, and their teenage son, while continuing her occasional commercial ventures through the talent company My Pet Agency. Despite the lack of inheritance, Choupette remains a social media sensation with over 279,000 followers on her personal Instagram account. Her manager, Lucas Bérullier, confirms that brands still seek collaborations with Choupette, adhering to strict welfare rules, but the sums associated with her during Lagerfeld's lifetime were more about his name and involvement than solely the cat's value. The mystery surrounding Lagerfeld's estate and the precise amount intended for Choupette persists due to legal challenges and the non-public nature of French inheritance documents. An unnamed plaintiff is contesting the will's validity, which could result in Lagerfeld's fortune passing to his surviving nieces and nephews, adding another layer of complexity to Choupette's inheritance saga.
