Few celebrity animals have been capable of exuding a look of contempt for the world like Grumpy Cat, one of four kittens born to a calico mother and a blue-and-white tabby putative father. Known to her owners by her given name, Tardar Sauce, the scowl-faced internet and con circuit sensation's signature frown was caused by an underbite and feline dwarfism. Grumpy became a meme superstar in September of 2012, after Bryan Bundesen, the brother of Tardar's owner Tabatha Bundesen, posted a photo of the contemptuous cat on Reddit. Sadly, the sparker of much joy, Grumpy Cat, passed away in her "mother's" arms on Tuesday, after complications caused from a urinary tract infection. She was only 7 years old – that's 44 years old in human years.
“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,” Tardar's family posted on Twitter.
Despite being known for her signature frown, Grumpy's owners attest to her not being at all. “She is a super cute and cuddly kitty and loves to be held and rubbed,” her family wrote. In addition to becoming an internet sensation, helping to sell boxes of "Honey Nut Cheerios," being named the official "spokescat" of Friskies, the time-honored cat food brand, Grumpy was also the subject of her own holiday film in 2014. Directed by Tim Hill and titled GRUMPY CAT'S WORST CHRISTMAS EVER, the family and feline-friendly affair featured Grumpy as a lonely cat living in a mall pet shop. Because she never gets chosen by customers, she develops a sour outlook on life…until one day during the holidays, a very special 12-year-old girl named Chyrstal enters the pet store and falls in love with her after realizing she is the only person who can hear this unique cat talk. As the two develop a close friendship during the holiday rush, Grumpy reluctantly thwarts the kidnapping of an exotic dog she dislikes, and on Christmas Eve rescues Chyrstal after the mall closes. Providing the voice for Grumpy Cat in the film was none other than LEGION and PARKS AND RECREATION alumna Aubrey Plaza.
As a cat lover, I can't help but become misty-eyed at the thought of living in a world where Grumpy Cat is no longer silently judging us all. May she rest well while shredding that big scratching post in the sky, where the mice run free, milk flows like wine, and catnip rains from the heavens above. So long, Grumpy Cat, and thanks for all the fish.