She’s an author, musician, talk-show host, potato pie lover, genetic oddity… and she only weighs 4 pounds. Lil BUB, the Internet-famous cat, and her owner, Mike Bridavsky, appeared at Hunt Library Monday night as a part of the library’s Creativity and Technology Symposium.
Lil BUB, short for Lillian Bubbles, was adopted by Bridavsky in 2011 in Bloomington, Indiana, after being found in a friend’s backyard. BUB’s two siblings appeared to be normal, but Bridavsky said he knew BUB was different right away.
After falling in love with BUB’s differences and unique personality, Bridavsky decided to share BUB with the world.
“I have a great camera and a great cat; you can’t screw that up,” Bridavsky said.
Bridavsky soon found out that BUB possesses several rare genetic mutations, causing her to have no teeth and stay kitten-sized her whole life. BUB also suffers from osteopetrosis, a disease that causes the bones to grow denser. Because of this, BUB was only expected to live for five to six months.
However, four years later and not only is she still walking, running and even climbing stairs, but she’s also winning over the hearts of everyone from her 2 million Facebook-likers to Robert De Niro.
Since BUB’s rise to fame in 2011, she and her owner have used their acclaim for good. Bridavsky used BUB’s rare mutations to raise awareness for homeless and special needs cats throughout the universe. Because of this, she has raised more than $300,000 for animals in need.
“We definitely encourage people to get special needs pets, but remember that you have to be ready for a special needs pet,” Bridavsky said. “You have to be ready for heartbreak, for your entire life to change, for your habits to change. It’s a lot like having a baby.”
The event was partnered with SAFE Haven Cat Shelter and Clinic in North Raleigh.
“We are a no-kill cat shelter,” said Inez Leyden, who has volunteered with SAFE Haven for 15 years and currently serves on the board of directors.
The group made an appearance Monday night to spread awareness about spaying and neutering and the plight of homeless pets. SAFE Haven was collecting food for its food pantry, which is used to provide food for cats and dogs within the Triangle area, according to Leyden.
SAFE Haven was one of the first recipients of Lil BUB’s Big Fund for the ASPCA, a national fund for special needs cats.
“BUB gives all of us the opportunity to do our best,” Bridavsky said.
Lil BUB, one of the world’s most famous cats, walks on the stage of Hunt Library’s auditorium on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015. She is known for her constantly sticking out tongue, having extra toes on all of her paws, having no teeth, and various physical handicaps.
