The popular and often-memed internet superstar Grumpy Cat has died.
The treasured feline, known for her famous frowning face, died after complications arose following a urinary tract infection. She was 7 years old.
Grumpy Cat’s Rise to Fame
In 2012, Grumpy Cat – whose actual name was Tardar Sauce – became a viral sensation after her photo was posted on Reddit. At less than a year old, she became an instant internet celebrity thanks to a combination of feline dwarfism and an underbite.
Tardar’s family was able to capitalize on this fame, landing a Friskies sponsorship, a TV-movie deal with Lifetime, and more. Overall, she netted her family millions.
Prior to her rise to fame, Grumpy Cat’s owner, Tabatha Bundesen, was a waitress at Red Lobster.
The Death of Grumpy Cat
On Tuesday, May 14, 2019, the world lost Tardar Sauce. The following Friday, her family posted the sad news on Twitter.
“Despite care from top professionals, as well as from her very loving family, Grumpy encountered complications from a recent urinary tract infection that unfortunately became too tough for her to overcome,” the Bundesens wrote. “She passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, May 14, at home in the arms of her mommy, Tabatha.”
They added, “Besides being our baby and a cherished member of the family, Grumpy Cat has helped millions of people smile all around the world—even when times are tough.”
While Tardar Sauce may no longer be with us, her memes will surely live on for years to come.
Or, as her family put it: “Her spirit will continue to live on through her fans everywhere.”
