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Grumpy Cat
Grumpy Cat at VidCon 2014
Other nameTardar Sauce
SpeciesDomestic cat
BreedMixed
SexFemale
Born(2012-04-04)April 4, 2012
Morristown, Arizona, U.S.
DiedMay 14, 2019(2019-05-14) (aged 7)
Morristown, Arizona, U.S.
Cause of deathUrinary tract infection
Years active2012–2019
Known forBeing an Internet meme
OwnerTabatha Bundesen
Named afterTartar sauce
www.grumpycats.com

Tardar Sauce (April 4, 2012[1] – May 14, 2019), nicknamed Grumpy Cat, was an American internet celebrity cat. She was known for her permanently "grumpy" facial appearance, which was caused by an underbite and feline dwarfism.[1][2][3] She came to prominence when a photograph of her was posted on September 22, 2012, on social news website Reddit by Bryan Bundesen, the brother of her owner Tabatha Bundesen.[1][4] "Lolcats" and parodies created from the photograph by Reddit users became popular. She was the subject of a popular Internet meme in which humorously negative, cynical images were made from photographs of her.[5]

As of June 3, 2023, Grumpy Cat had 8.3 million total likes on Facebook,[6] 2.6 million followers on Instagram[7] 1.5 million followers on Twitter[8] and 276,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Background

[edit]
An example of a Grumpy Cat Internet meme.

Tardar Sauce was one of a litter of four kittens born to a calico mother and a blue-and-white tabby putative father at the home of her owner, Tabatha Bundesen of Morristown, Arizona.[1] The Bundesens said that Tardar Sauce's face appeared grumpy because the feline had a form of dwarfism.[9] Though the mother and father were described as "normal-sized domestic short-hair cats",[9] Tardar Sauce was undersized and had hind legs that were "a bit different".[1] Both she and her brother, Pokey, were born with "a flat face, bubble eyes, and a short tail".[2] Although she had a "grumpy" appearance and was called "Grumpy Cat", according to the Bundesens, "Ninety-nine percent of the time she is just a regular cat."[3]

"Meme manager" Ben Lashes represented Grumpy Cat, in addition to Keyboard Cat and Nyan Cat.[10] In 2013, Tabatha Bundesen took a leave of absence from her job at Red Lobster to manage Grumpy Cat's schedule, while her brother Bryan Bundesen managed the Grumpy Cat website, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter accounts.[11][12]

Friskies sponsorship

[edit]
Tabatha Bundensen and Grumpy Cat in 2014

Grumpy Cat appeared in episodes of the Friskies YouTube game show "Will Kitty Play With It?"[3][13][14][15] In September 2013, it was announced that Grumpy Cat would become the Official Spokescat of Friskies.[16] TMZ reported that for Grumpy Cat's SXSW Interactive appearance in Austin, Texas, Friskies paid for first-class flights, a private hotel room with king-sized bed, a personal assistant, a chauffeur, and unlimited Friskies food and bottled water.[13] On March 22, 2013, Grumpy Cat traveled to New York City promoting the show and appeared on Good Morning America[17] and Anderson Live,[18] and visited Time for a photo shoot.[19]

Merchandising

[edit]

Grumpy Cat Limited held eight trademarks in August 2018 registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office; 1082 items were available on the official Grumpy Cat online shop.[20]

Licensed merchandise

[edit]

Licensed merchandise like T-shirts and mugs are advertised on the Grumpy Cat website and sold at Hot Topic.[21] Stuffed toys are also available, the original official plush was produced by Gund, though as of August 2018, no Grumpy Cat merchandise was available on the Gund website.[22][23] Ganz, the company behind Webkinz, produced a small Grumpy Cat plush which allowed anyone to play with her electronic likeness on the Webkinz website.[24]

Additionally, Chronicle Books has published The Grumpy Cat Wall Calendar each year since 2013, with a 2022 edition available as of January 2022.[25][26][27]

Books

[edit]

The official Grumpy Cat book, Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book, was published on July 23, 2013, by Chronicle Books.[12] The book is available in both print and digital formats from retailers worldwide. It debuted at #8 hardcover nonfiction on the Publishers Weekly best seller list.[28] Another Grumpy Cat book called The Grumpy Guide to Life: Observations by Grumpy Cat was published by Chronicle Books and debuted at #3 on The New York Times Best Seller list in the Advice, How-To and Miscellaneous category.[29]

Dynamite Entertainment publishes a comic book about Grumpy Cat and her brother, titled The Misadventures of Grumpy Cat and Pokey.[30][31]

Dover Publications has also published Grumpy Cat paper doll, sticker, coloring, and tattoo books.[32]

Digital products

[edit]

An official video game Grumpy Cat: Unimpressed was released in December 2013 by Ganz Studios. Playable on Facebook, iOS devices and Android devices, the game is a match-three game where if combos are performed, Grumpy Cat's insults will appear. The players unlock her memes as they pass each level and she can be made angry with meows, hairballs and laser pointers.[33]

[edit]

Grumpy Cat Limited v. Grenade Beverage LLC

[edit]

In May 2013, Grumpy Cat Limited partnered with Grenade Beverage LLC to market "Grumppuccino" iced coffee beverages.[12][34][35]

In December 2015, Grumpy Cat Limited filed a lawsuit against Grenade Beverage LLC citing trademark infringement when the beverage company expanded its line of Grumpy Cat coffee offerings beyond what was originally agreed upon, producing and marketing a Grumpy Cat roasted ground coffee even after being told by email that they were not approved to do so.[36]

In January 2018, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California jury decided in favor of Grumpy Cat Limited, and ordered Grenade Beverage Company to pay $710,000 in damages for copyright and trademark infringement, as well as a $1 nominal damage fee for breach of contract.[37][38]

Death

[edit]

Tardar Sauce died at her home in the arms of her owner Tabatha following complications from a urinary tract infection on May 14, 2019, at age 7.[39][40] Her death was announced on May 17, 2019, on social media. Tributes were posted worldwide.[39] She is buried at Sunland Pet Rest Cemetery in Sun City, Arizona.[41]

Film

[edit]

Grumpy Cat appears in Lil Bub & Friendz, a documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 18, 2013, and won the Tribeca Online Festival Best Feature Film.[21][42][43][44] In May 2013, Broken Road Productions optioned Grumpy Cat for a "Garfield-like feature film" adaptation.[12][45][46] Film producer Todd Garner said, "We think we can build a big family comedy around this character".[45]

On June 11, 2014, it was announced that Lifetime would produce a film starring Grumpy Cat, entitled Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever. The film debuted on November 29, 2014. Tim Hill, the film's director, and Jeff Morris wrote the script, and principal photography took place over the summer.[47] Aubrey Plaza voiced the Grumpy Cat character,[48] and was also a producer on the film. On November 6, 2014, Lifetime released a tongue-in-cheek video about the casting and Plaza's "process" for becoming the voice of Grumpy Cat.[49]

The film received mostly negative reviews.[50][51] On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 27%, based on 11 reviews, and an average rating of 4.17/10.[52]

Earnings

[edit]

In March 2013, Bryan Bundesen indicated that Grumpy Cat earned them income in the "mid-five figures", which increased to "low-six-figures" by May 2013.[4][12] The Bundesens have not disclosed the Grumpy Cat brand's net worth, though online speculation estimates it between $1 million and $100 million.[53]

Recognition

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Grumpy Cat

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, was a domestic shorthair cat born on April 4, 2012, in Morristown, Arizona, renowned for her signature frowning expression caused by an underbite and feline dwarfism that also resulted in short hind legs and mobility challenges. She rose to internet fame on September 22, 2012, when a photograph of her grumpy face, taken by her owner Tabatha Bundesen's brother Bryan, was posted to the subreddit r/pics, quickly garnering millions of views and spawning countless memes that humorously captioned her image with pessimistic or sarcastic phrases. Despite her perpetually sour appearance, Tardar Sauce was described by her family as an affectionate and playful cat who enjoyed petting and interacting with people, though her health conditions limited her activity. The viral success led to extensive opportunities, including books, plush toys, and apparel, as well as media appearances such as a Lifetime Christmas movie titled in 2014 and a role in a commercial. Bundesen, a former waitress, managed the brand through Grumpy Cat Limited, which successfully defended trademarks in , notably winning a $710,000 judgment in 2018 against a coffee company for unauthorized use of Grumpy Cat's likeness. Tardar Sauce passed away on May 14, 2019, at the age of seven due to complications from a , prompting widespread tributes from fans worldwide who celebrated her as an enduring symbol of internet humor and .

Origins

Birth and Physical Traits

Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, was born on April 4, 2012, in . She was the runt of a litter of four kittens born to a mother and a tabby father, both domestic shorthairs. Tardar Sauce was a mixed-breed , primarily exhibiting tabby markings with possible influence from her mother's lineage. Her distinctive appearance stemmed from two congenital conditions: an underbite and a form of feline , which caused her short legs and overall smaller stature. These traits resulted in a permanent frown-like expression that was often misinterpreted as perpetual grumpiness or anger, though it actually reflected neither pain nor discomfort but rather the natural positioning of her facial features. Due to her dwarfism, Tardar Sauce remained notably small throughout her life, weighing only about 4 pounds and 3 ounces as an adult—far below the average for a domestic cat. This condition limited her mobility somewhat, contributing to her unique, compact build, but she otherwise led a healthy life until her death in 2019.

Family Background

Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, was owned and cared for by Tabatha Bundesen, a single mother living in Morristown, Arizona, along with her brother Bryan Bundesen and daughter Crystal Bundesen. The family resided in a modest home in this small town northwest of Phoenix, where Tabatha worked ordinary jobs, including as a waitress at a local Red Lobster restaurant, reflecting their everyday lifestyle before the cat's unexpected fame. Tardar Sauce was one of a litter that included her brother , a black-and-white male cat who also suffered from feline dwarfism, resulting in both siblings being notably small. The name "Tardar Sauce" was suggested by Bundesen, who thought the kitten resembled . They treated her as a regular household pet, providing standard care without any anticipation of , integrating her into their routine alongside Pokey and other family activities.

Rise to Fame

Viral Emergence

The of Grumpy Cat began on September 22, 2012, when Bryan Bundesen, brother of the cat's owner Tabatha Bundesen, uploaded a of the feline—then known as Tardar Sauce—to the subreddit r/pics, titled "Meet Grumpy Cat." The image captured the cat's distinctive underbite and downturned mouth, which gave the appearance of a perpetual scowl, instantly appealing to internet users seeking humorous expressions of dissatisfaction. Within 48 hours, the post amassed over 25,300 upvotes on and garnered 1.1 million views on , where the was hosted, marking the rapid onset of its virality. Users quickly photoshopped the into various memes, overlaying it with captions that amplified a persona of and disdain, such as "I had fun once... it was awful," which became emblematic of the character's grumpy attitude. This propelled the meme's spread, transforming a single photo into a of ironic humor across online communities. By late 2012, the Grumpy Cat image had proliferated beyond to platforms including , (now X), and , where dedicated fan pages and shares amplified its reach to millions. The nickname "Grumpy Cat," first used in Bundesen's original post title, was rapidly adopted by online users, solidifying the cat's identity as an and spawning countless variations that captured everyday frustrations with witty negativity.

Early Media Exposure

Grumpy Cat's transition to began with her first major television appearance on NBC's The Today Show on December 2, 2012, where Bryan Bundesen, brother of the cat's owner, discussed the cat's sudden viral fame and her ability to bring joy through her perpetual scowl. Bundesen described Tardar Sauce—Grumpy Cat's real name—as a "stress reliever for everyone," emphasizing how her grumpy expression paradoxically uplifted viewers. Following this debut, the family embarked on a whirlwind media tour in late 2012, appearing on various New York-area outlets to capitalize on the growing buzz around culture. By early 2013, Grumpy Cat's visibility expanded with spots on ABC's on March 22, CNN's Live, and other broadcasts, where her unamused demeanor captivated audiences and highlighted the phenomenon of animal memes. These appearances marked a shift from digital virality to broadcast stardom, positioning Grumpy Cat as a symbol of relatable online humor. Print and online coverage soon followed, with features in major publications that explored her role in meme evolution. Time magazine hosted a photo shoot in March 2013, capturing Grumpy Cat's signature frown during an office visit that underscored her rising celebrity status. Similarly, The Wall Street Journal profiled her in May 2013 at the BookExpo America, noting the crowds she drew and her influence on digital culture. Grumpy Cat's first public event came at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive Festival in March 2013, where she made her live debut, attracting long lines of fans eager for photos and interactions. The family's organized meet-and-greets at the event allowed admirers to meet the feline star up close, fostering early fan engagement that blended online fandom with in-person excitement. This appearance solidified her appeal beyond screens, drawing hundreds despite her famously aloof persona.

Commercial Ventures

Sponsorship Deals

Grumpy Cat secured her first major sponsorship deal in September 2013 with Purina PetCare's brand, becoming the company's official "spokescat" in a multi-year endorsement agreement. The partnership involved licensing the cat's image for various advertising campaigns, including TV commercials such as the 2013 spot where Grumpy Cat appeared alongside unusual toys in the "Will Kitty Play With It?" series, and later holiday-themed ads like the 2014 "Hard to Be a Cat at ." Social media promotions and online videos further integrated her grumpy persona to engage pet owners, positioning her as a humorous to typical cheerful mascots. By 2014, Grumpy Cat's endorsement portfolio expanded to include deals with other brands, such as a TV commercial appearance with ' alongside mascot Buzz the Bee, where her unenthusiastic reaction emphasized the cereal's appeal. These agreements focused on image licensing for advertisements, allowing the Bundesen family—owners Tabatha and Bryan—to transition to full-time management of the brand. Tabatha Bundesen, previously a waitress, quit her job shortly after the cat's viral rise, as the influx of endorsement opportunities made it feasible to handle bookings and negotiations professionally. The financial impact of these early sponsorships was significant, with earnings from deals reaching the mid-five figures by March 2013 and escalating to the low-six figures by May of the same year, according to family statements. This growth underscored Grumpy Cat's value as a relatable, ironic that humanized products in the and consumer goods sectors, driving through her distinctive scowl without requiring on-set performance. The deals not only provided steady but also elevated her status from to commercial icon, influencing subsequent merchandising and media ventures.

Merchandising Expansion

Following her rise to viral fame, Grumpy Cat's image was licensed for a wide array of physical consumer products starting in , marking a significant expansion into . Key deals included partnerships with for plush toys, Ripple Junction for apparel such as T-shirts, and Hallmark for greeting cards, alongside novelty items like mugs and calendars. These licenses were managed by the cat's agent, Ben Lashes, who identified merchandising potential shortly after her initial online buzz. Retail distribution amplified the reach, with products appearing in major chains like Target, Walmart, and Hot Topic, where T-shirts alone sold 100,000 units by late 2013. This initial wave featured rapid sell-outs, underscoring the brand's immediate commercial appeal and viability beyond digital memes. The expansion quickly diversified into pet accessories and additional apparel lines, reflecting strategic oversight by owner Tabatha Bundesen and Lashes to align offerings with Grumpy Cat's signature persona. By 2014, the portfolio had grown to more than 400 licensed items, demonstrating robust demand and careful to preserve the integrity of the image across manufacturers and retailers. This push, built on endorsements as an entry point, solidified Grumpy Cat's transition from internet phenomenon to a tangible consumer brand.

Film and Television Roles

Grumpy Cat's debut in scripted entertainment came with the 2014 Lifetime original movie , directed by Tim Hill. In the film, the titular character—a perpetually frowning cat caused by an underbite and feline —is voiced by actress and plays a central role as a resident of a struggling pet shop. Teaming up with a lonely young girl portrayed by , Grumpy Cat embarks on a holiday adventure to save the shop from closing, encountering talking animals and festive mishaps along the way. Supporting cast members include as the shop owner and comedian in a comedic role. The production embraced the absurdity of adapting an to live-action, relying on Plaza's deadpan delivery to match the cat's signature scowl, while using CGI for animated sequences involving Grumpy Cat's interactions. Plaza described the experience as "the weirdest thing I've ever seen," suggesting viewers watch it in an altered state for full appreciation. Though low-budget, the movie capitalized on Grumpy Cat's viral fame, generating buzz through its trailer, which amassed over 1.4 million views shortly after release. Despite underwhelming Nielsen ratings for the premiere, it trended highly on , ranking ninth among TV topics on during airing. Critics offered mixed responses to the film, assigning it a 27% approval rating on based on limited reviews. Praise centered on its self-aware humor and Plaza's committed performance, which captured the meme's sardonic essence, but detractors lambasted the uneven CGI, predictable plot, and overall cheap production values as detracting from its potential charm. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with some embracing its campy appeal as a holiday . Beyond the movie, Grumpy Cat appeared in limited television roles, including a cameo as herself in a 2016 episode of the sitcom , where she interacted with the young protagonists in a nod to her internet celebrity status. She also made a memorable live appearance at the , arriving on the red carpet in a replica of ' signature gigolo hat and securing a prime front-row seat, during which she notably appeared to doze off amid the festivities.

Publications and Products

Books

Grumpy Cat's first official book, Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book, was published by Chronicle Books on July 23, 2013. This hardcover collection features photographs of the feline internet sensation paired with sarcastic captions, disgruntled tips, and activities aimed at cultivating a grumpy mindset, such as games and prompts to express disapproval. The book quickly became a commercial success, debuting at No. 7 on the New York Times bestseller list for advice, how-to, and miscellaneous titles and being translated into 15 languages. It was co-created by Grumpy Cat's owner, Tabatha Bundesen, along with illustrators and meme-inspired contributors who captured the cat's signature sour expression. Following the debut's popularity, The Grumpy Guide to Life: Observations by Grumpy Cat was released by on October 15, 2013. Presented as a demotivational , it offers humorous, uninspiring advice on topics like , and daily annoyances, illustrated with new photos of Grumpy Cat's perpetual frown and meme-style quips to encourage embracing inner cynicism. The title also became a New York Times bestseller in the advice category, contributing to the growing franchise of print media. Like its predecessor, it involved collaboration from Bundesen and creative team members focused on amplifying the cat's grumpy . Subsequent releases expanded the series with titles like Grumpy Cat: No-It-All: Everything You Need to No, published by Chronicle Books on October 13, 2015, which reimagines positive concepts—such as rainbows and cuddles—through a lens of sarcasm and negativity, using Grumpy Cat's images to deliver cranky rebuttals. Holiday-themed editions, including parodies of festive traditions, were also produced under Chronicle Books, maintaining the brand's focus on seasonal grumpiness. By 2015, the combined book sales across the series had achieved significant commercial success across domestic and international markets. These works, primarily co-authored by Bundesen and illustrators, solidified Grumpy Cat's presence in humorous nonfiction literature. Following Tardar Sauce's death in 2019, the franchise continued with children's books like A Grumpy Easter (2020) and ongoing calendars, such as the 2026 edition, maintaining the brand's presence in humorous literature.

Digital and Other Products

Grumpy Cat's digital presence extended beyond social media through official mobile applications designed for fan engagement. The first official mobile game, Grumpy Cat's Worst Game Ever, was released in 2016 by Lucky Kat Studios for iOS and Android platforms, featuring a collection of intentionally frustrating mini-games starring the cat, along with meme-sharing capabilities and chiptune music. The game received positive user feedback, with over 114,000 ratings averaging 4.6 stars on Google Play, highlighting its humorous take on the Grumpy Cat persona. Additionally, a Grumpy Cat Weather App was launched in 2020, providing weather updates infused with themed memes and photos to maintain the brand's irreverent tone. The brand maintained an website, grumpycats.com, launched in early 2013 to centralize content and merchandise, including daily "grumps" and updates on the cat's appearances. Complementing this, the YouTube channel, Real Grumpy Cat, amassed millions of views across its videos, with the original 2012 upload exceeding 22 million views by featuring unfiltered footage of the cat's grumpy expressions. The YouTube channel continues to post legacy content and tributes, amassing over 1.2 million subscribers as of 2025. These platforms facilitated interactive fan experiences, such as meme generators integrated into third-party tools like Imgflip, where users could create custom Grumpy Cat s using templates, though no standalone official meme generator app was developed. Other digital products included eBooks that adapted the Grumpy Cat theme for electronic formats, such as The Grumpy Guide to Life: Observations from Grumpy Cat (2014), a demotivational guide with cranky commentary on everyday topics, available on platforms like . Similarly, Grumpy Cat: No-It-All (2015) offered a digital collection of pessimistic takes on positive subjects like kittens and rainbows, distributed via eBooks. Digital wallpapers featuring Grumpy Cat imagery were also popularized through fan sites and official promotions, providing high-resolution downloads for devices to extend the brand's visual appeal. Post-2020, attempts to enter the NFT market yielded limited success, with collections like the Grumpy Cat NFT series on platforms such as Magic Eden and Foundation, where individual pieces were minted as authenticated but saw floor prices drop to near zero by 2024, reflecting low market traction. These efforts represented an exploration of blockchain-based memorabilia but did not achieve significant commercial impact compared to earlier digital ventures.

Grenade Beverage Dispute

In 2013, Grumpy Cat Limited entered into a licensing agreement with Beverage LLC, granting the company exclusive rights to use the Grumpy Cat image, name, and likeness for a line of frozen or iced coffee beverages branded as "Grumpy Cat 'No'." The agreement, valued at $150,000 upfront plus royalties, explicitly limited the license to frozen beverages and prohibited expansion into other product categories without prior approval. This deal was part of broader brand licensing efforts but remained narrowly scoped to protect the intellectual property's commercial boundaries. Grenade Beverage allegedly breached the contract by developing and selling unauthorized products, including ground roast coffee for hot brewing, energy bars, T-shirts, and mugs featuring the Grumpy Cat branding. These actions formed the basis of claims for , , and , as the company exceeded the license's frozen beverage restriction and diluted the brand's value through unapproved merchandise. Grumpy Cat Limited argued that Grenade's unauthorized expansions not only violated the explicit terms but also misrepresented the scope of their partnership in marketing materials. The lawsuit was filed on December 11, 2015, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of , case number 8:15-cv-02063, seeking for the alleged infringements. The case proceeded to a in January 2018 before Judge , where evidence included the licensing documents and samples of the infringing products. On January 22, 2018, the jury returned a in favor of Grumpy Cat Limited, awarding $710,001 in total damages: $230,000 for , $480,000 for , and $1 for . The jury rejected requests for , finding no evidence of willful misconduct beyond the breach. Judgment was entered accordingly, permanently enjoining from further use of the Grumpy Cat . Neither party pursued appeals following the verdict, and the resolution reinforced the importance of adhering to licensing boundaries in agreements, setting a for meme-based brands in commercial disputes.

Post-Death Trademark Actions

Following the death of Tardar Sauce in May 2019, Grumpy Cat Limited, formed in 2013 by the cat's owner Tabatha Bundesen to manage rights including for merchandise and likeness, intensified its efforts to protect the brand from unauthorized exploitation. The company has filed over 50 federal lawsuits since 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of , primarily targeting manufacturers and online sellers distributing products such as plush toys, apparel, and other impostor items that mimic Grumpy Cat's distinctive image. These actions often allege , false endorsement, and under the , seeking injunctions to halt sales and statutory damages up to $2 million per mark per type of good. In 2024, Grumpy Cat Limited pursued multiple high-profile cases against copycat operations, including at least four lawsuits filed in April alone in the Northern District of Illinois against overseas-based online retailers selling unauthorized Grumpy Cat-themed merchandise via platforms like and . Additional suits targeted entities operating copycat accounts and profiles that promoted infringing goods, emphasizing claims of consumer confusion and brand dilution in the evolving digital landscape. These efforts extended into 2025, with a notable filing in the same district against unidentified associations for similar violations. Enforcement strategies have encompassed pre-litigation cease-and-desist letters to deter infringers, alongside -ordered domain seizures for websites facilitating sales and the use of monitoring software to track online infringements across sites. A significant example occurred in April 2025, when a U.S. federal ruled in favor of Grumpy Cat Limited against a Sydney-based who sold a single unauthorized cat T-shirt design, awarding $100,000 in damages for and . The majority of these post-2019 cases have resulted in out-of-court settlements, often involving monetary payments, destruction of infringing goods, and agreements to cease operations, thereby reinforcing the enduring commercial value of the Grumpy Cat brand within the meme-based economy. This approach builds on earlier precedents, such as the 2018 Grenade Beverage dispute, to sustain long-term IP integrity.

Death and Legacy

Circumstances of Death

Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, died on May 14, 2019, at the age of 7 from complications arising from a that did not respond to treatment. Her family announced the news on May 17, 2019, via official accounts, stating that she had passed away peacefully that Tuesday morning. Throughout her life, Tardar Sauce experienced ongoing health challenges stemming from feline dwarfism, a genetic condition that affected her bone and development, leading to an underdeveloped and increased vulnerability to complications. Her family noted a recent decline in her condition prior to the fatal infection, despite long-term veterinary management by specialists to address her chronic issues. The proved unresponsive to medical interventions, ultimately leading to her death. Tardar Sauce passed away at her home in , surrounded by her family, including her owner Tabatha Bundesen, who held her during her final moments. The family described her passing as peaceful, emphasizing her role as a beloved pet and the joy she brought to many despite her health struggles.

Earnings Overview

Grumpy Cat's initial commercial success generated earnings in the mid-five figures during early 2013 from licensing deals and merchandise. By May 2013, these had risen to a low-six-figure sum, as reported by co-owner Bryan Bundesen. A 2014 report in the Daily Express claimed Grumpy Cat had earned approximately $100 million over two years from various commercial ventures, a figure that owner Tabatha Bundesen categorically denied as "completely inaccurate." Bundesen emphasized that while the cat's fame had provided substantial financial benefits, the actual earnings were far lower, in the millions, derived from diversified revenue streams including merchandise sales, licensing agreements, and media opportunities. No precise total was ever publicly confirmed by the family. Revenue primarily stemmed from merchandise such as plush toys and apparel, which formed the largest portion, alongside licensing and sponsorship deals, media productions, and public appearances. In 2018, these totals were augmented by a $710,000 award to Grumpy Cat Ltd. in a federal copyright infringement lawsuit against Grenade Beverage LLC. No detailed financial disclosures have been made public since the cat's death in 2019. The earnings enabled the Bundesen family to quit their previous jobs—including Tabatha's role as a waitress—and purchase a home in Arizona, while shifting to full-time management of the Grumpy Cat brand. An exact net worth for the family or the brand has never been disclosed.

Cultural Impact and Recognition

Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, pioneered the animal economy by transforming a single viral image into a multimillion-dollar that demonstrated the commercial potential of internet-famous pets. Her perpetually frowning expression, caused by feline and an underbite, became a template for ironic, relatable humor that resonated with online audiences, inspiring the broader "catitude" trend of sassy and anthropomorphic cat memes. Even in 2025, Grumpy Cat memes continue to circulate widely on platforms like and , with over 229 million related posts on the latter, underscoring her enduring role in digital humor. The feline's cultural recognition included prestigious honors that elevated her status beyond online novelty. In 2013, she was awarded Meme of the Year at the Webby Awards, beating out competitors like Gangnam Style and affirming her dominance in early internet meme culture. Two years later, in 2015, Madame Tussauds unveiled an animatronic wax figure of Grumpy Cat at its San Francisco location—the museum's first-ever cat effigy—allowing fans to interact with a mechanized version featuring five distinct movements. These accolades positioned her as a symbol of ironic humor, parodied in television specials and referenced in scholarly works on internet history, such as analyses of cat imagery's role in online communities. Following her death in 2019, Grumpy Cat received widespread tributes from celebrities and fans worldwide, with platforms flooded by posts mourning the loss of the "most meme-able feline." Retrospectives in media outlets have hailed her as a foundational figure in culture, crediting her with shaping the viral landscape that birthed countless influencers. persists online, including new illustrations shared on platforms like , while informal annual memorials on her death date keep her legacy alive among enthusiasts. Grumpy Cat's broader impact extended to highlighting intellectual property challenges in the digital age, as her owners aggressively protected her image through trademarks and lawsuits, setting precedents for monetizing memes amid rampant online copying. She also influenced the pet influencer industry by proving that animals could drive major endorsement deals and media appearances, paving the way for a new era of branded animal celebrities managed by dedicated handlers.

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  21. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-news/article/15458731/grumpy-cat-lands-new-deal-as-spokescat-for-friskies-brand
  22. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/7WVH/friskies-hard-to-be-a-cat-at-christmas
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebeQMFRLRjA
  24. https://www.entrepreneur.com/science-technology/5-high-powered-animal-celebrities-who-earn-more-than-you-do/240703
  25. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/7yP7/honey-nut-cheerios-buzz-meets-grumpy-cat
  26. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2014/06/16/from-grumpy-cat-to-maru-to-lil-bub-internet-cats-are-actually-serious-business/
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  28. https://nymag.com/news/business/boom-brands/grumpy-cat-ben-lashes-2013-10/
  29. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324412604578513352795950958
  30. https://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2017/09/26/forbes-top-influencers-grumpy-cat-the-internets-original-pet-superstar-reigns-supreme/
  31. https://ew.com/article/2015/04/14/grumpy-cat/
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3801438/
  33. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2014/11/28/grumpy-cats-worst-christmas-ever-lifetime-aubrey-plaza/19272811/
  34. https://www.netflix.com/title/80020820
  35. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/aubrey-plaza-grumpy-cats-worst-748491/
  36. https://www.imdb.com/news/ni57961865
  37. https://www.adweek.com/lostremote/people-hate-watched-grumpy-cats-worst-christmas-ever-while-taking-to-twitter/
  38. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/grumpy_cats_worst_christmas_ever
  39. https://time.com/3612726/grumpy-cats-worst-christmas-ever/
  40. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5585082/
  41. https://www.thewrap.com/grumpy-cat-to-guest-star-on-bizaardvark-exclusive-video/
  42. https://www.digitalspy.com/fun/a564435/grumpy-cat-wears-pharrell-hat-at-mtv-awards-has-better-seat-than-nick-lachey/
  43. https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/grumpy-cat
  44. https://www.forbes.com/sites/masonsands/2019/05/17/the-good-bad-and-the-grumpy-what-grumpy-cat-has-left-behind/
  45. https://www.amazon.com/Grumpy-Guide-Life-Observations-Cat/dp/1452134235
  46. https://bookoutlet.ca/book/grumpy-cat-noitall/chronicle-books/9781452149684B
  47. https://www.fictiondb.com/series/grumpy-cat~63687.htm
  48. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/grumpy-cats-worst-game-ever/id1151747316
  49. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.luckykat.grumpycat&hl=en_US
  50. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2790931790942540&id=435475646488178&set=a.562257323810009
  51. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2013/03/grumpy-cat-the-internets-favorite-sour-cat-draws-crowds-at-sxsw
  52. https://www.youtube.com/RealGrumpyCat
  53. https://www.youtube.com/@RealGrumpyCat
  54. https://imgflip.com/memegenerator/Grumpy-Cat
  55. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grumpy-cat-grumpy-cat/1122637750
  56. https://wallpapercave.com/grumpy-cat-wallpapers
  57. https://magiceden.io/marketplace/grumpy_cat_nft
  58. https://www.forbes.com/digital-assets/nfts/grumpy-cat-nft-grumpy/
  59. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/grumpy-cat-brings-grumpy-lawsuit-848423/
  60. https://www.loweringthebar.net/2018/01/grumpy-cat-wins-700k.html
  61. https://ipwatchdog.com/2018/01/27/grumpy-cat-wins-copyright-trademark-infringement/
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  63. https://dailycoffeenews.com/2018/02/01/grumpy-cat-awarded-710000-in-coffee-brand-copyright-suit/
  64. https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/california/cacdce/8:2015cv02063/635576/153
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  68. https://www.courthousenews.com/grumpy-cat-her-impostors-and-the-whack-a-mole-of-trademark-claims/
  69. https://www.law.com/radar/card/pm-60413888-grumpy-cat-limited-v-the-individuals-corporations-limited-liability-companies-partnerships-and-unincorporated-associations-identified-in-schedule-a-hereto/
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  81. https://www.tiktok.com/discover/grumpy-cat
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  83. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/grumpy-cat-meets-wax-likeness-at-madame-tussauds-in-california/2015/12/09/5fc4e2dc-9ec3-11e5-bce4-708fe33e3288_story.html
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  86. https://webdesignerdepot.com/blast-from-the-past-grumpy-cat-from-viral-fame-to-cultural-icon/
  87. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIjQLKhOlMK/
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