Written by: Lisa Chang

Lil Bub: The internet's most beloved and uniqueness-celebrating cat

Lil Bub, the internet sensation, is a celebrity cat known for her distinctive physical appearance, charming personality, and captivating online presence. With over three million likes on Facebook, she has stolen the hearts of millions worldwide, becoming an unlikely hero for acceptance, inclusivity, and self-love.

Early Life and Adoption

Lil Bub was born on June 21, 2011, as the runt of her litter to a feral mother. Due to her genetic mutations, she required bottle-feeding and had difficulty finding a forever home. Fortunately, Mike Bridavsky, a music producer, adopted her, giving her a loving home and a platform to showcase her uniqueness.

Physical Characteristics and Health Issues

Lil Bub's extreme form of feline dwarfism resulted in her limbs and lower jaw being significantly smaller than the rest of her body. Her shortened lower jaw meant she couldn't retain her tongue within her mouth, and she suffered from osteopetrosis, a bone condition that affected her mobility. Despite these challenges, Lil Bub's sparkling personality shone through, earning her the nickname "fantastic waddler."

Rise to Fame and Philanthropy

Lil Bub's internet fame began in November 2011, when her photos were posted on Tumblr and Reddit. Her quirky appearance and lovable nature quickly won over the hearts of millions. She starred in the documentary "Lil Bub & Friendz," which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2013 and won the Tribeca Online Festival Best Feature Film. The documentary's success led to a surge in merchandise sales, with a significant portion of the profits going towards animal welfare organizations and genetic research initiatives.

Genetic Research and Breakthroughs

In 2015, a group of scientists launched a campaign on Experiment.com to sequence Lil Bub's genome, aiming to better understand her unique appearance, including her extra digits. The campaign reached its funding goal, and the research led to a groundbreaking discovery: Lil Bub had a mutation in the gene RANK/TNFRSF11A, also found in one mouse and fifteen humans. This research has far-reaching implications for understanding genetic disorders and has been published on bioRxiv.

Legacy and Impact

Lil Bub's inspiring story has transcended the internet, spreading a powerful message of acceptance, inclusivity, and self-love. She has become a beacon of hope for those who feel different or marginalized, showing that uniqueness is something to be celebrated, not hidden. Her philanthropic efforts have contributed significantly to animal welfare and genetic research, leaving a lasting legacy in the scientific and animal-loving communities.

In memory of Lil Bub, who passed away on December 1, 2019, we honor her spirit by continuing to spread her message of love, acceptance, and inclusivity. Her remarkable life serves as a reminder that everyone deserves a chance to shine, regardless of their differences.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Lil Bub's average daily food intake was 1/4 cup of wet food, due to her small size.
• She had her own YouTube channel, where she shared her daily adventures and antics.
• Lil Bub's merchandise sales helped raise over $100,000 for animal welfare organizations.
• She was an honorary spokesperson for the ASPCA and worked with them to promote animal adoption.

Lil Bub's remarkable journey will continue to inspire and delight generations to come, serving as a testament to the power of uniqueness, love, and acceptance.