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| © NurPhoto via Getty Images—Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto Celebrity cat Lil Bub at CatCon, a convention for cat lovers in Pasadena California on August 12, 2017. |
Sad cat news today: famed Internet feline Lil Bub has died “unexpectedly,” according to a letter shared by her owner, Mike Bridavsky.
“I have always been fully transparent about BUB’s health, and it was
no secret that she was battling a persistent and aggressive bone
infection,” Bridavsky wrote. “Even knowing this, we weren’t expecting
her to pass so soon or so abruptly without warning. I truly believe that
she willingly made the decision to leave her failing body so that our
family would not have to make that difficult decision ourselves.”
Lil Bub was one of Instagram’s most-recognizable
furry stars, having developed a passionate following over her years in
the spotlight. She was originally picked up from a feral litter in
Indiana in 2011, and was known for distinctive kittenish features that
lasted well into her later years. (Genetic anomalies resulted in Lil
Bub’s dwarfism, extra toes and extra-big eyes.)
But Lil Bub wasn’t just a cute face. Over her eight years, she appeared on TV and at conventions, starred in a Vice
documentary, graced the front page of Reddit and raised over $700,000
for fellow animals in need, according to Bridavsky’s farewell letter.
She also wrote a book, hosted a talk show and released an original album
in 2015, Science & Magic: A Soundtrack To The Universe.
“It
is impossible to put into words the profound effect that BUB has had on
my life, on the lives of thousands of homeless pets, and on the lives
of those of you that have cared for her as if she were your own family,”
Bridavsky continued. “She taught me everything that I know about
unconditional love… and she has been a constant source of warmth and
love in our lives for the past 8 years. To say that our family is
devastated would be an understatement.”
Lil Bub was part of a generation
of cat and dog celebrities who built a platform from YouTube videos,
social media and viral memes. Her peers included Grumpy Cat (who passed
away in March 2019), Marnie the Dog and Doug the Pug. At the time of her
death, Lil Bub had over 2.3 million followers on Instagram and over 340
thousand subscribers on YouTube, who often tuned in to hear her
relaxing purring videos.
“I will never forget your generosity,
your limitless supply of love, or your uncanny ability to bring so much
magic and joy to the world,” Bridavsky wrote, concluding the poignant
obituary. “I am forever honored and humbled that you chose me as your
caretaker. Please visit all of us in our dreams often.”
