Tiger King's Carole Baskin launches crypto 'purr-ency'

Tiger King's Carole Baskin launches crypto 'purr-ency'
Photo credit: Getty Images

Netflix's infamous cat lady Carole Baskin has launched her own cryptocurrency, $CAT.

The Tiger King star tweeted she was "purring like a bobcat rolling in catnip" because of the popularity of her new digital currency after its launch. 

After the launch $CAT, which can be purchased starting at US$5, skyrocketed to number 35 of 117 on cryptocurrency open network Rally.

Baskin's new digital currency allows fans to purchase merchandise and online experiences from her Big Cat Rescue animal sanctuary in Florida.

"I'm investigating cryptocurrencies because I am concerned about the volume of US dollars that are being printed and distributed with nothing to back them up," Baskin stated. 

"Our new $CAT coin is not currency for investment, but rather is a purr-ency of our fans to show their love for the cats."

Baskin stated that her organisation is thinking of other ways to reward people who join their "pride of big cat lovers!"

Plans include "a big metaverse for virtual visits with the cats" and non-fungible tokens, which will be launching in two weeks.

The American big-cat rights activist drew public attention when she was featured in Netflix documentary series Tiger King, where she is best-known as the subject of notorious zoo owner Joe Exotic's vendetta.  

There are five other animal-themed tokens available to date: Dogecoin (dog), TrueFlip (dolphin), Nyancoin (cat), Pandacoin (panda) and Neucoin (squirrel).