Internet Cat Superstar Lil BUB Dead at Age 8

BUB’s owner, or “dude” as he’s affectionately known by, Mike Bridavsky made the announcement across BUB’s social media channels Monday.

“On the morning of Sunday, December 1st 2019 we lost the purest, kindest and most magical living force on our planet,” he wrote. “BUB was cheerful and full of love laying in our bed with us Saturday night, but unexpectedly passed away peacefully in her sleep.”

Adopted by Bridavsky as a kitten in 2011, Lil BUB lived with “a multitude of genetic anomalies,” such as feline dwarfism. Those anomalies left a lasting impression on her physical appearance, which helped launch her into internet cat stardom (think 2.4M Instagram followers and 3M Facebook likes), building a popular brand that included books, talk shows, public appearances, and more.

BUB was also a part of the Animal Planet family as a “spokescat,” having made appearances at network events, and even starring in her own 2014 primetime show, Lil BUB’s Special Special.

Lil BUB also used her notoriety to give back to the animal community, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the ASPCA through Lil BUB’s Big Fund.

Here’s to you, BUB!