Internet mourns Grumpy Cat after sad passing of iconic meme

The internet is mourning after the owners of popular internet pet Grumpy Cat announced that the famous feline had passed away.

Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, first found fame on the internet after an image of her was posted on Reddit back in 2012.

The image went viral, and eventually became a massively popular meme, often used to make jokes about things people didn’t like.

650

Grumpy Cat passes away

On May 17, owner Tabatha Bundesen released a statement on Twitter that confirmed their beloved pet had passed away three days earlier on May 14, due to complications from a recent urinary tract infection.

Despite the best efforts from professionals, Grumpy Cat passed away in Tabatha’s arms in their home.

• Read More: YouTuber Tati Westbrook reveals why she is ending James Charles beef

In the post, Grumpy Cat’s owners stated that “her spirit will continue to live on through her fans,” and that besides being a “cherished member of the family,” she had also helped “millions of people smile all around the world – even when times were tough.”

Internet mourns the loss of Grump Cat

In the wake of the announcement, many have expressed their sorrow, as they mourn the passing of one of the most recognizable animals on the internet.

Some stated that they were “heartbroken” at the loss, passing their sympathies on to the family at this difficult time.

Others shared fond memories of Grumpy Cat, including pictures from those who met Grumpy Cat around the world and managed to snag a photo with the beloved pet.

Users on Reddit, where Grumpy Cat first rose to prominence, have also shared their sorrow, with a post on the /r/dankmemes subreddit stating that she will “live on forever in our hearts.”