R.I.P. Grumpy Cat: 2012-2019. You Will Live Forever in Our Memes

This week, the implacable feline known and beloved as the internet sensation Grumpy Cat died at the tender young age of 7. Complications from a urinary tract infection mercilessly claimed the life of this viral kitty. Born April 4, 2012, she passed away on May 14, 2019.

“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, Tabatha,” the Grumpy Cat Twitter account announced.

The family’s statement praised the exploits of their feline, who became famous after a photo of her trademark frowning face went viral on Reddit in 2012. Her real name was Tardar Sauce. During her reign of memes, Grumpy Cat became the subject of a Honey Nut Cheerios commercial, book deals, and even a Lifetime movie. Madame Tussauds made a wax figure of the unhappy feline in 2015.

Grumpy Cat has more than 8.5 million Facebook fans, 2.4 million Instagram followers, 1.5 million Twitter followers, and more than 260,000 YouTube subscribers. Those numbers are only likely to increase after her death.

“Besides being our baby and a cherished member of the family, Grumpy Cat has helped millions of people smile around the world — even when times were tough,” the family said. “Her spirit will continue to live on through her fans everywhere.”

The family published the statement in a tweet with the words “Some days are grumpier than others…”

Some days are grumpier than others… pic.twitter.com/ws209VWl97

— Grumpy Cat (@RealGrumpyCat) May 17, 2019

Here is the image that first went viral.

It all started with this image. THIS DAMN IMAGE! Why Grumpy Cat had to die??? WHY???????? pic.twitter.com/BKArOtAbDH

— Michael Okeefe (@Castle_Auto) May 17, 2019

Some Twitter users shared wonderful death memes including Grumpy Cat.

We’ll miss you Grumpy Cat!
Thank you for all of the laughs.
❤️🌈 pic.twitter.com/BDQ8avrhYR

— Sacramento SPCA (@SacramentoSPCA) May 17, 2019

Sesame Street tweeted a Grumpy Cat meme.

Thank you, Grumpy Cat, for understanding @OscarTheGrouch like no one else can. ❤️ https://t.co/6jndLd1Enj pic.twitter.com/j8PrUG39kh

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) May 17, 2019

Others shared photos of the unhappy feline with Stan Lee.

Grumpy Cat has passed away at the age of 7 – here she is doing her signature pose with another legend ❤️

(📸 via Brad Keene) pic.twitter.com/k5CR9NSJnc

— Fandom (@getFANDOM) May 17, 2019

Others shared images of Grumpy Cat on the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.