Internet star “Grumpy Cat” has died at the age of seven, her owners said on Friday.
“We are unimaginably heartbroken to announce the loss of our beloved Grumpy Cat,” they said in a statement on Twitter.
The famous feline, whose frowning visage endeared her to millions of fans across social media and saw her photographed with celebrities, including Stan Lee and Jennifer Lopez, passed away on Tuesday at her home in Arizona.
“Despite care from top professionals, Grumpy encountered complications from a recent urinary tract infection that unfortunately became too tough for her to overcome,” they said.
“Grumpy Cat has helped millions of people smile all around the world — even when times were tough. Her spirit will continue to live on through her fans everywhere.”
Hundreds of fans posted messages of condolences on social media. “Rest in peace, darling. Your scowl towards me was one of the best moments of my life,” Hollie-Ann Brooks posted on Twitter.
The mixed-breed cat, whose real name is Tardar Sauce, found fame when a photo of her as a kitten was posted on Reddit in September 2012, her website says.
Despite her permanent frown, she was “super cute and cuddly.”
She has 8.5 million fans on Facebook, 2.5 million followers on Instagram and 1.5 million on Twitter.
She went on to appear on magazine covers and television advertisements. She even starred in a movie Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever .
