International internet legend Grumpy Cat dies, aged seven

Internet meme sensation Grumpy Cat has died at the age of seven, according to her owners.

In a statement released on social media, it was revealed the online celebrity had passed away on Tuesday following complications from a recent urinary tract infection.

The feline became famous for her permanent scowl, which in 2012 became the subject of hundreds of memes which have continued to be shared across the internet over the years.

According to the statement, Grumpy Cat “helped millions of people smile”, as her owners were able to capitalise on her success, turning her into a brand.

On Instagram, she had more than two million followers, 1.5 million on Twitter, 8.5 million on Facebook; and official Grumpy Cat merchandise was available.

According to owner Tabitha Bundesen, Grumpy Cat – real name Tardar Sauce – had feline dwarfism and an underbite, causing her permanent ‘sour’ expression. Grumpy Cat had turned 7 only last month. Her family said they were “heartbroken” by her passing.

The cat’s fame led the family to travel the world making television appearances, and even starred in her own Christmas film in 2014; while Madame Tussauds in San Francisco unveiled a waxwork of her in 2015.

In 2018, Grumpy Cat Limited, formed to manage her assets, sued the owners of the US coffee company Grenade for improper use of the cat’s image and won £555,000 ($710,000).

Dubbed “the world’s grumpiest cat”, thousands of memes featuring Grumpy’s face have been re-shared on social media following the news of her death.