The internet received sad news on Monday with the announcement that Lil Bub, a cat made famous for her uniquely adorable appearance, passed away on Sunday, December 1. Lil Bub, who was described as “the runt of her litter” came to prominence when her owner Mike Bridavsky adopted her and shared photos of her to Tumblr. The photos of the kitten, who was born with several genetic mutations contributing to her unique appearance, quickly were featured on Reddit leading to Lil Bub becoming an internet sensation with more than 2 million Instagram followers — and those followers have been heartbroken at the news of the eight-year-old cat’s passing.
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Bridavsky shared the news of Lil Bub’s passing on Instagram and Twitter Monday morning.
“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.”
Soon after the announcement, fans flooded social media to grieve for the cat. While Lil Bub was an adorable cat whose life was shared with the internet, she was also the face of major fundraising efforts to help special needs pets and other animals in need. It’s that goodness that many fans remembered as the memorialized the cat, sharing their gratitude for the joy she spread during her too-short life. You can check out a selection of some of the reactions to Lil Bub’s passing below and feel free to share your own in the comments.
Rest in peace, Lil Bub.
Nothing good remains, thanks 2019.
Lil Bub and Grumpy Cat this year? Nothing good remains.
— David Trudeau (@artificialidea) December 2, 2019
Gonna need a whole week off for mourning.
lil bub died and i need a week off to mourn see you guys next monday https://t.co/DsB7RJakP8
— mk (@mkbowyer) December 2, 2019
Shattered heart
Well my heart has been shattered😭😭💔💔💔 RIP LIL BUB. Thank you for the countless smiles you brought to mine and many others faces with your shining personality and sweet as pie face❤️ https://t.co/ZbAZ7nS0Y4
— Saliaa|💚❤️🎄🥂🌃🔑|SHAMELESS SPOILERS| (@SkellytonSally) December 2, 2019
Actual tears
lil bub the cat died and i am crying in my office
— clark the herald angels sing (@DairyPotter) December 2, 2019
RIP Magical Lil’ Queen
I’m absolutely heartbroken. I love Lil Bub 💔😢 She was such a magical little Queen; so full of love & light. She’s helped thousands of animals in need & has made so many of us happy over the years. She will be missed dearly. Love & hugs to her family & friends. RIP Bub ❤️👑 pic.twitter.com/zAWFCd7UfB
— Liz (@LizzyLepp) December 2, 2019
RIP
R.I.P. Lil Bub pic.twitter.com/vkIkYMCECd
— Chairface Chippendale Fan Account (@mischafoster) December 2, 2019
Thank you for the joy.
Lil Bub has left this plane of existence.
— Kyle Gaddo (@kylegaddo) December 2, 2019
Thank you for bringing so much joy into this world, you sweet, goofy creature.
In our hearts always. pic.twitter.com/rbHbAoeKeR
Rest in peace forever
Never think you are too small to make a difference in the world…
— “Mad Cat” Cattis (@GeneralCattis) December 2, 2019
May you play in peace forever, Lil Bub. 💖#RIPLilBub pic.twitter.com/RbBYjnt173
In our hearts always
So sorry. We’ll always love lil’ bub.
— Mary (@mary_skillcat3) December 2, 2019
In our hearts forever.❤🙏🏻
Hanging out with Grumpy Cat now
😢😢😢
— Jan Burch (@LiberallyJan) December 2, 2019
RIP Lil Bub
I hope she has met up with Grumpy Cat OTRB and they’re enjoying a nice romp while laughing at the antics of us stoopie hoomans down here … https://t.co/60bcjpe7JV