On Monday, a message on the popular Instagram account for Lil Bub, a feline who went viral on Tumblr and Reddit, announced that the 8-year-old cat had died.
The polydactyl cat was born in June 2011, and, according to her “human” Mike Bridavsky, she died Sunday after battling an “aggressive bone infection.” Lil Bub was known for her diminutive frame, which was due to her feline dwarfism, and protruding green eyes. She was posted on Tumblr in November 2011, and her popularity would rise to full-on social media stardom with her Facebook page, which garnered 3 million likes. She would eventually be featured on “Good Morning America.” A documentary, “Lil Bub & Friendz,” premiered at Tribeca Film festival in April 2013 and eventually won the festival’s Best Feature Film award.
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For Bridavsky, the internet craze and merchandising juggernaut that would follow Lil Bub could not compare to the impact she made about raising awareness about homeless pets.
“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 wrote in the post.
A large portion of the funds garnered from Lil Bub’s merchandising went to animal welfare organizations, Bridavsky said in the post.
“...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 wrote.
After the announcement of her death, several fans shared their condolences on social media Monday. Many noted that it was eerie that Lil Bub and fellow viral sensation Grumpy Cat died in the same year.
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