Ben Rea’s cat
When a black cat – rather aptly named Blackie – lost her owner in 1988, she gained a place in the record books. Reclusive British antiques dealer Ben Rea left his feline friend $12.5 million and split the remainder of his fortune between cat charities, employees, and one close friend. For years after Rea’s death, Blackie was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s wealthiest cat.
