Grumpy Cat, whose permanent frown had found its way into the hearts of millions, died in her arms of her owner Tabatha this week. She was 7 years old.
Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, passed away after severe complications from a urinary tract infection. “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,” her family wrote on Twitter.
Grumpy Cat won Meme of the Year at the 2013 Webby Awards, where her signature scowl beat out Gangnam Style and Harlem Shake. Grumpy Cat’s owner, Tabatha Bundesen, helped her cat rise to fame through various endorsements, like a Lifetime Christmas Movie and a sponsorship with Friskies.
Her famous face was the result of feline dwarfism. Her owners were unsure of her specific breed. It turns out taht Grumpy Cat wasn’t really grumpy at all. “She is a super cute and cuddly kitty and loves to be held and rubbed,” her family wrote.