The internet sensation known as Grumpy Cat died earlier this week, her owners have revealed.
The world-famous cat died on Tuesday aged seven “at home in the arms of her mommy, Tabatha,” a statement posted on Friday said.
Her family added that the "cherished" feline had encountered complications from a recent infection.
They paid touching tribute to the pet, adding that "her spirit will continue to live on through her fans everywhere".
The post said: “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.
“Besides being our baby and a cherished member of the family, 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.”
Grumpy Cat, who has more than 2m followers on Instagram, rose to fame after a photograph of her was posted to Reddit in September 2012.
She has since inspired thousands of memes, made TV appearances and starred in commercials as the face of Honey Nut Cheerios, and Friskies cat food in the US.
Grumpy Cat even starred her own film, Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever aired on Lifetime Channel in 2014.
Bryan Bundesen, the brother of her owner Tabatha Bundesen from Morristown, Arizona, posted the picture of Tartar Sauce pointing out her permanently disgruntled expression.
Social media users have reshared photos of her unimpressed face ever since.
Fans flooded Twitter with tributes to the viral feline on Thursday as they shared their condolences with the family.
One person wrote: “I am heartbroken. Thank you so much Grumpy for making me smile all these years.
Another wrote: “This is devastating to me and many millions around the world.
“Thank you for being so pawsome. Furever in our heart.”
