Beloved internet famous cat Lil Bub has died, owner Mike Bridavsky has confirmed.
"On the morning of Sunday, December 1st 2019 we lost the purest, kindest and most magical living force on our planet," Bridavsky wrote on Instagram alongside the first and last photos of them together. "Bub was cheerful and full of love laying in our bed with us Saturday night, but unexpectedly passed away peacefully in her sleep." Lil Bub, the runt of a feral litter born in Indiana, first rose to internet fame in 2011. She passed away on Sunday at the age of eight.
Bridavsky has always been upfront about Bub's health issues, but her death still came as a shock to him. "We weren't expecting her to pass so soon or so abruptly without warning," he added. "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."
Bub was born with feline dwarfism and osteoporosis among other genetic abnormalities. Birdavsky dedicated a lot of effort to making Bub the face for cats with special needs, raising money with the ASPCA to help thousands of cats find suitable homes. "She's helped raise over $700,000 for animals in need, and has spread a message of determination, positivity, and perseverance to people all over the world," he continued. "And even though my heart is absolutely crushed by her graceful departure from planet Earth, I know that her sprit, magic, and overwhelming energy are still with us, reminding us every day to be better."
Lil Bub went on to make countless media appearances throughout her life, even starring in her own web show in 2013 with Lil BUB's Big SHOW. Additionally, she turned up in the movie Nine Lives and appeared in the music video for Run the Jewels' "Meow Purrdy."
Read Mike Bridavsky's full note above.
