Lil BUB, Famous Internet Cat and Advocate For Special Needs Pets, Dies At Age 8

Pets make our lives better.

Musician Mike Bridavsky rescued a runt from a litter of feral kittens, which he named Lil BUB. Little did he know that the cat with multiple genetic abnormalities would change his life and introduce him to his wife.

The tiny tabby was born with feline dwarfism and a unique look. She had a droopy mouth that caused her tongue to constantly hang out. Her large green eyes, although sad in appearance, did not portray her true cheerful personality.

Photos: Instagram/iamlilbub

She made her internet debut in 2011 and went on to record music, write a book, and make a difference in the lives of special needs pets. For eight years, she worked with the ASPCA to increase adoptions for homeless cats and showed the world just how great special needs pets are.

One of the ways she recently helped homeless cats was by teaming up with GreaterGood.org and The Jackson Galaxy Project to promote National High-Five Day.

Photos: Instagram/iamlilbub

Her adorable looks and infectious personality won her millions of followers, 2.3 million to be exact. Her face was printed on clothing merchandise with a portion of the proceeds going towards Lil BUB’s Big FUND, a national fund for special needs pets.

Photos: Instagram/iamlilbub

She was suffering from an aggressive bone infection and Mike posted on Instagram, “On the morning of Sunday, December 1st 2019 we lost the purest, kindest and most magical living force on our planet. BUB was cheerful and full of love laying in our bed with us Saturday night, but unexpectedly passed away peacefully in her sleep..”

He went on to pay tribute to the amazing cat. “It is impossible to put into words the profound effect that BUB has had on my life, on the lives of thousands of homeless pets, and on the lives of those of you that have cared for her as if she were your own family.”

Photos: Instagram/iamlilbub

“She taught me everything that I know about unconditional love, she brought my wife Stacy and I together, she’s the reason we have our beautiful children Rosco and Lula, and she has been a constant source of warmth and love in our lives for the past 8 years. To say that our family is devastated would be an understatement.”

Mike highlighted the difference that Lil BUB made in the lives of shelter pets. “But most importantly, BUB has made a huge difference in the world of animal welfare, and in the lives of millions of people worldwide. She has literally saved thousands of lives (both pets and humans), she started the first national fund for special needs pets, she was the subject of groundbreaking genetic and biological research, she’s helped raise over $700,000 for animals in need, and has spread a message of determination, positivity, and perseverance to people all over the world.”

Photos: Instagram/iamlilbub

“And even though my heart is absolutely crushed by her graceful departure from planet Earth, I know that her sprit, magic, and overwhelming energy are still with us, reminding us every day to be better.”

The world is mourning her loss and her heartbroken dad ended his post by saying, “Dearest BUB, I will never forget your generosity, your limitless supply of love, or your uncanny ability to bring so much magic and joy to the world. I am forever honored and humbled that you chose me as your caretaker. Please visit all of us in our dreams.”

R.I.P. Lil BUB. You will never be forgotten.

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This is my first photo with BUB next our last photo together. On the morning of Sunday, December 1st 2019 we lost the purest, kindest and most magical living force on our planet. BUB was cheerful and full of love laying in our bed with us Saturday night, but unexpectedly passed away peacefully in her sleep.. 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. Even knowing this, we weren’t expecting her to pass so soon or so abruptly without warning. I truly believe that she willingly made the decision to leave her failing body so that our family would not have to make that difficult decision ourselves. It is impossible to put into words the profound effect that BUB has had on my life, on the lives of thousands of homeless pets, and on the lives of those of you that have cared for her as if she were your own family. She taught me everything that I know about unconditional love, she brought my wife Stacy and I together, she’s the reason we have our beautiful children Rosco and Lula, and she has been a constant source of warmth and love in our lives for the past 8 years. To say that our family is devastated would be an understatement. But most importantly, BUB has made a huge difference in the world of animal welfare, and in the lives of millions of people worldwide. She has literally saved thousands of lives (both pets and humans), she started the first national fund for special needs pets, she was the subject of groundbreaking genetic and biological research, she’s helped raise over $700,000 for animals in need, and has spread a message of determination, positivity, and perseverance to people all over the world. And even though my heart is absolutely crushed by her graceful departure from planet Earth, I know that her sprit, magic, and overwhelming energy are still with us, reminding us every day to be better. Dearest BUB, I will never forget your generosity, your limitless supply of love, or your uncanny ability to bring so much magic and joy to the world. I am forever honored and humbled that you chose me as your caretaker. Please visit all of us in our dreams o

A post shared by Lil BUB (@iamlilbub) on Dec 2, 2019 at 9:25am PST