Since KATSEYE released “Animal,” fans have drawn comparisons to Britney Spears’ iconic 2003 hit “Toxic.” The similarities sparked widespread discussion across social media, leading many listeners to wonder whether the new song officially samples or interpolates the pop classic.
The short answer is no. Based on the song’s official credits, KATSEYE’s “Animal” does not sample or interpolate “Toxic.”
Released on July 24 as the latest single from KATSEYE’s upcoming EP WILD, “Animal” is credited to songwriters Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, Blake Slatkin, Omer Fedi, and the members of KATSEYE who contributed to the record. Production is handled by Omer Fedi and Blake Slatkin. Neither the official songwriting credits nor publicly available databases such as Genius and WhoSampled list Britney Spears’ “Toxic” or any of its writers and producers among the song’s credits.
That distinction matters because an official sample involves using part of the original sound recording, while an interpolation recreates a recognizable melody, lyric, or other protected musical element. Both generally require clearance and songwriter credit. No such credits appear for “Animal,” indicating that the song is an original composition rather than one built from Spears’ hit.
Still, the comparisons are understandable. Many listeners have pointed to the track’s sleek production, early-2000s pop influences, rhythmic pulse, and flirtatious attitude as reminders of “Toxic.” Others have highlighted certain instrumental textures and the song’s confident delivery, prompting mashups and fan edits across social media. Those similarities, however, fall into the category of stylistic inspiration rather than legal or musical borrowing.
The conversation comes as “Animal” continues to enjoy a breakout commercial launch. On the Spotify Daily Global chart dated July 24, the song debuted at No. 9 with 3.346 million streams, becoming KATSEYE’s biggest first-day debut on the platform. The achievement trails only “Gabriela,” which remains the group’s highest-charting song after peaking at No. 7.
The momentum has been amplified by the song’s ambitious music video, directed by Cody Critcheloe. Built around mirrored realities, observation rooms, and shifting identities, the visual pairs cinematic storytelling with bold choreography while giving Sophia, Lara, Daniela, Megan, and Yoonchae extended vocal moments throughout the nearly three-minute performance. Academy Award-nominated actress Demi Moore also makes a surprise cameo.
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