Internet-famous cat Lil Bub has died, as BrooklynVegan notes. “On the morning of Sunday, December 1 2019 we lost the purest, kindest, and most magical living force on our planet,” Bub’s “dude” Mike Bridavsky announced. “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 was 8 years old. Find Bridavsky’s note below.
A polydactyl cat born with several other genetic abnormalities—including feline dwarfism, osteoporosis, and a trait that left her permanently a kitten—Lil Bub was adopted by musician Mike Bridavsky. He began posting about her on Tumblr in 2011, and her large, green eyes, rolling tongue, and miniature appearance quickly made her a sensation. Lil Bub went on to publish a book, host her own web series, and record music. She also dedicated her life to highlighting special needs and homeless cats, working closely with the ASPCA to raise money for both groups.
Born as part of a feral litter discovered in Indiana, Bub was the runt. Bridavsky took her home, and saw something special in her unique features. “That’s the reason I started sharing her: I was super-proud of her and I really thought she was the most amazing creature,” he told SPIN. In 2013, she began hosting the web series Lil Bub’s Big Show, which saw the likes of Steve Albini and Whoopi Golberg stop by to talk. She also recorded an album, collaborated with Andrew W.K. (“Star Party Animal”), appeared in Run the Jewels’s “Meow Purrdy” video, and released a special 7″ split with Surfer Blood featuring her song “Bub the Builder” on the B-side.