Famous internet cat with millions of followers Lil Bub dies in sleep

Washington, December 3 

Lil Bub, the droopy-tongued and bulbous-eyed American cat whose unusual appearance melted hearts and earned her millions of followers on social media, has died aged eight, her owner has said.

One of the internet's most beloved feline celebrities, the perma-kitten who suffered from dwarfism and battled a persistent and aggressive bone infection passed away "peacefully in her sleep" on Sunday morning.

Mike Bridavsky, the Bub's owner, announced the cat's death to millions of her followers on social media on Monday.

"BUB was cheerful and full of love laying in our bed with us Saturday night, but unexpectedly passed away peacefully in her sleep...We weren't expecting her to pass so soon or so abruptly without warning," he wrote in a post on Instagram.

Bridavsky said she helped raise more than USD 700,000 for animal charities during her lifetime.

Bub has made a huge difference in the world of animal welfare, and in the lives of millions of people worldwide, he said.

"She has literally saved thousands of lives (both pets and humans), she started the first national fund for special needs pets, she was the subject of groundbreaking genetic and biological  research, she's helped raise over USD 700,000 for animals in need, and has spread a message of determination, positivity, and perseverance to people all over the world," Bridavsky said.

With millions of followers on social media and a mini-empire of commercial appearances, Bub found online fame because of her unique appearance.

Her feline dwarfism meant she stayed kitten-sized throughout her life. An extra toe on each paw, and had an underdeveloped jaw without teeth made her tongue always droopy.

Bridavsky adopted Bub as the "runt" of a ferral litter found by a friend inside a tool-shed in Indiana.

"Dearest BUB, 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," her owner said.

Bub's death comes seven months after the death of Grumpy Cat, another feline internet legend. — PTI 

 

 

 

 

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This is my first photo with BUB next our last photo together. On the morning of Sunday, December 1st 2019 we lost the purest, kindest and most magical living force on our planet. BUB was cheerful and full of love laying in our bed with us Saturday night, but unexpectedly passed away peacefully in her sleep.. 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. 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. 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. She taught me everything that I know about unconditional love, she brought my wife Stacy and I together, she's the reason we have our beautiful children Rosco and Lula, 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. But most importantly, BUB has made a huge difference in the world of animal welfare, and in the lives of millions of people worldwide. She has literally saved thousands of lives (both pets and humans), she started the first national fund for special needs pets, she was the subject of groundbreaking genetic and biological research, 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. 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. Dearest BUB, 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. I am forever honored and humbled that you chose me as your caretaker. Please visit all of us in our dreams o

A post shared by Lil BUB (@iamlilbub) on Dec 2, 2019 at 9:25am PST