Grumpy Cat, the always-frowning, ever-memeable kitty, has died. The passing of the teensy grump, perhaps the world’s most famous feline, was confirmed by her owners on social media. She was 7.
“We are unimaginably heartbroken to announce the loss of our beloved Grumpy Cat,” said Tabatha Bundesen via Grumpy Cat’s verified Instagram. The cat, she added, died in her arms after complications from a urinary tract infection this past Tuesday.
“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 were tough,” Bundesen wrote.
Grumpy Cat, like so many viral pets, began her career on Reddit back when she was still known as Tardar Sauce. A dwarf kitty with an underbite, the cat’s “let me speak to your manager” face served as familiar, hilarious symbol for life’s daily annoyances. So popular was Grumpy, she went on to be the subject of a bestselling book, a WWE storyline, and a Lifetime movie, Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever, in which she was voiced by Aubrey Plaza. Her merchandising empire lives on, as do the memes. She was a good kitty.