Internet meme queen Grumpy Cat dies aged 7
The internet sensation known as Grumpy Cat has died aged seven, her owners revealed on Friday.
A post on the cat's instagram, which has more than 2.4m followers, announced her passing and the family's "unimaginable heartbreak".
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(Source: Instagram)
(Source: Getty)
(Source: Getty)
“Despite care from top professionals, as well as from her very loving family, Grumpy encountered complications from a recent urinary tract infection that unfortunately became too tough for her to overcome,” the statement on Instagram continued.
“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 spirit will continue to live on through her fans everywhere.”
She rose to unprecedented levels of fame for a cat in 2012 after a photo of her was posted on Reddit.
(Source: Instagram)
Instagram
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In the seven years since she has inspired thousands of memes, starred on TV and featured in commercials such as for Honey Nut Cheerios, and Friskies cat food in the US.
Her net worth was thought to be in excess of $1m after her owners also published four books, although one of the owners, Tabatha Bundesen, debunked claims she stood to make £64m from deals back in 2014.