Mike Bridavsky announced the death of his Internet-famous cat named Lil Bub on social media Monday.
Lil Bub gained attention in 2011 for her unusual appearance and physical deformities. Her bulging green eyes, protruding pink tongue and story of overcoming disease and disability earned her more than three million followers on Facebook and 2.4 million followers on Instagram .
The 8-year-old cat was born with osteoporosis, which left her immobile for some of her life. Lil Bub also had dwarfism, resulting in her stubby legs and trouble moving around. She died unexpectedly in her sleep of an aggressive bone infection, according to Bridavsky’s post.
"I have always been fully transparent about BUB's health, and it was no secret that she was battling a persistent and aggressive bone infection," Bridavsky said in his post. "Even knowing this, we weren't expecting her to pass so soon or so abruptly without warning."
Lil Bub started a national fund for special needs pets and raised over $700,000 for animals in need, Bridavsky said in his post Monday.
Lil Bub had a temporary pop-up store located on North Morton Street that raised money for local charities, selling Lil Bub stuffed animals, T-shirts and meet-and-greets with Lil Bub. The shop closed February 2018.
A documentary titled “Lil Bub and Friendz” details the cat’s rise to fame and her battles with osteoporosis and dwarfism. The documentary also shares Bridavsky’s story of adopting Lil Bub.
Lil Bub spread a message of positivity and perseverance to people all over the world, Bridavsky said in his post, which included the first and last photo he ever took with the beloved cat.
“Even though my heart is absolutely crushed by her graceful departure from planet Earth, I know that her spirit, magic, and overwhelming energy are still with us, reminding us every day to be better,” Bridavsky said in his post.
Bridavsky then ended his Facebook post with three simple words in all caps: "GOOD JOB BUB."
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the name of the condition Lil Bub faced. Lil Bub had the bone disease osteopetrosis. The IDS regrets this error.
