Who Is Grumpy Cat? Get To Know the OG Cat Meme Sensation

Do you know Grumpy Cat? Chances are you do. The internet and meme sensation is one of the most viewed felines in the world. In this article, we take a peek behind the star-studded curtains to learn who Grumpy Cat is, who owns her, what breed she is, and more. 

Get ready for a laugh and some heart-warming videos. Let’s paw and frown, and get into it! 

Who Is Grumpy Cat? 

Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, was an internet sensation and feline celebrity. Born on April 4, 2012, Grumpy Cat gained worldwide fame until her passing in May 2019 for her perpetually grumpy expression caused by feline dwarfism and an underbite. A photograph of her went viral on social media when her owner’s brother posted it on Reddit. 

Tabatha Bundesen was Grumpy Cat’s human owner, and they lived in Morristown, Arizona. Tardar Sauce, also known as Grumpy Cat, was a mixed-breed domestic short hair cat who had a calico mother and a tabby father. Tardar Sauce’s appearance was a soft white with a calico head and beautiful blue eyes. Despite her downturned face and famed grumpiness, she was reportedly a relatively normal cat.

Suggested Reading: Learn about Tabby Cats, including their coloring and traits.

What Made Grumpy Cat Appear Grumpy?

Grumpy Cat appeared crabby because she had a form of dwarfism. Her mother and father were normal-sized domestic short-hair cats, but she was smaller. Dwarfed cats can sometimes have an undersized jaw, curved spine, or bow-legged posture. They can also have heart, lung, neurological, or mobility issues. However, Tardar Sauce lived a happy and semi-normal life as a cat, despite her dwarfism and stardom. 

When Did Grumpy Cat Become a Meme? 

A meme is an idea, behavior, or piece of content that spreads rapidly through the internet and is often humorous or satirical in nature. They can take various forms, including images, videos, or catchphrases. 

Grumpy Cat became a meme in 2012 when a photograph of her was shared on social media platforms. The image, capturing her grumpy expression, struck a chord with people around the world. Memes featuring Tardar Sauce’s face were often accompanied by humorous captions and relatable phrases expressing frustration and cynicism. 

The distinct combination of Grumpy Cat’s unique appearance and relatable expressions made her famous. Her meme status continued to grow in subsequent years, solidifying her place as one of the most recognizable and beloved internet memes of all time.

What Made Grumpy Cat So Popular?

People quickly fell in love with the crabby-faced kitty, whose famous “No” responses to almost everything delightful could leave you in stitches. Her popularity soared as memes and hilarious captions spread. With her own line of merchandise, appearances on television shows, and even a book deal, Tardar Sauce became an icon of internet culture. 

Despite her grumpy persona, Tardar Sauce brought joy to millions of people around the world until her passing in May 2019, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Check out Tardar Sauce’s book, Grumpy Cat: No-It-All Everything You Need to No. It’s a collection of her least favorite things. It’s fun and entertaining, to say the least. 

Grumpy Cat’s Rise to Fame

Grumpy Cat rose to fame quickly via the internet, and her popular Instagram account has over 2.6 million followers. After her photo went viral in 2012, she also gained the attention of media outlets, leading to numerous television appearances on shows like Good Morning America, Today Show in Australia, and Anderson Live. Her appearances allowed her to charm audiences.

Beyond media appearances, Tardar Sauce became a brand in her own right, partnering with various companies and securing sponsorship deals. She had her own line of merchandise, including books, calendars, clothing, and even a Grumpy Cat-themed coffee drink. 

Tardar Sauce also made appearances at notable events such as the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, where she drew massive crowds. In addition, she became the official “spokescat” for Friskies, a popular cat food brand, and even had her own Friskies-sponsored online game. Grumpy Cat’s fame and impact were widely recognized, earning her multiple awards and accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Friskies and being named the most influential cat by MSNBC in 2012. Her unique journey has forever cemented her as an icon feline.

How Long Did Grumpy Cat Live? 

Sadly, the original Grumpy Cat passed away in May 2019 at her home in Arizona. Tardar Sauce lived a short but impactful seven-year life. She died of a urinary tract infection. When her death was announced on social media, tributes came in from around the world. Her legacy continues to live on, reminding us of the joy and laughter she brought during her time.

Check out this humorous and nice tribute from Jimmy Kimmel.

What Cat Replaced the Original Grumpy Cat? 

While no cat can ever truly replace the original Grumpy Cat, a cat named Upset Betty is thought of as her successor. Upset Betty is a six-year-old cat that lives in Germany and has a similar resting frown to Tardar Sauce. Her owners have shared photos that have gone viral on Reddit.

There are likely other crabby-faced cats in the world. Keep an eye out for what felines’ resting facial expressions are. You might be surprised that not all cats have the same. 

Suggested Reading: Speaking of cat humor, are cats ticklish? Find out! + What about dogs? Do canines smile when they’re happy?

Grumpy Cat is the Perfect Meme for a Smile

Grumpy Cat is the perfect meme to make you smile or giggle. Humor is good medicine and when there’s a cute cat in the mix it’s all the better. Check out some Grumpy Cat videos and photos for some warm-hearted fun. 

What’s your cat’s resting facial expression? Share in the comments below.