Internet legend 'Grumpy Cat' is no more

Guwahati, May 17, 2019:

To the dismay of both animal and meme lovers across the world, the internet meme icon “Grumpy Cat” is no more. He was 7 years old when he left for the heavenly abode.

All those who have followed Grumpy and the funny memes carrying the visage of the unhappy cat have expressed their heartfelt condolences on social media platforms over the demise of the iconic cat who has become recognizable on the internet ever since his memes started going viral on the internet.

The furry sensation's family announced her death on Twitter on Friday.

"We are unimaginably heartbroken to announce the loss of our beloved Grumpy Cat," stated Tabatha Bundesen, the Grumpy cat's owner.

"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. She passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, May 14, at home in the arms of her mommy,” it was added in the tweet.

Grumpy became an internet celebrity in September 2012, when Tabatha's brother Bryan posted photos showing her in all her disgruntled glory on the r/pics sub-reddit.

Within 48 hours of her death, users on the social media platforms immediately reacted by posting countless photoshopped variations on the original image which had gone viral.

It may be mentioned that Grumpy’s popularity was sealed by her participation at the South by Southwest Interactive (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.

People used to stand in line for hours to click picture with her, while she mostly ignored her fans. Many called her the festival's biggest star.

Grumpy Cat has inspired art projects, perfumes, merchandise, Skechers shoes, comics and even a "Grumppuccino" coffee. She was also the official "spokescat" for Friskies, and appeared on several US TV shows, including Today and Good Morning America.

Last year, US coffee company Grenade was ordered to pay the Bundesens $710,000 for exceeding an agreement to use her image.

At the time of her death, Grumpy Cat had 1.5 million followers on Twitter, 2.4 million on Instagram and 8.5 million on Facebook.

Inside Northeast too mourns the death of this grumpy soul who brought joy to millions during her short stay on Easth.