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WHAT is it about cats that make them so magnetic?
Over the years, lovers (and haters) can agree how puzzling the affection between feline and man can be.
Even their passive-aggressive behaviour would not stop human devotees from being emotionally available as soon as they signal, ‘feed me’.
In celebration of International Cat Day, here are some famous fur balls (then and now) that have taken over mankind, raking in stardom, where their amusing traits have entertained the many facades of our human emotions.
1. Bujibu Chempel
The famous ‘first child’ of local influencer-turned-businesswoman Hanis Zalikha and actor Hairul Azreen has been gracing the social media scene for years now after first being introduced in early 2016, even before the couple’s actual son, Yusuf was born. Since then, followers have been fed with the cat’s funny antics online. From dominating his domain alone to having to share with two other toddlers in the same household, Bujibu attempts to navigate his cat years looking seemingly annoyed as he does so.
2. Grumpy Cat
The internet pretty much knows how to rally around something cute, but it certainly was not prepared when Grumpy Cat (or more affectionately called Tardar Sauce) made a name for herself and became an online institution after her owner posted a photo in Reddit back in 2012.
Known for her unique physical appearance, her look comes from feline dwarfism and an underbite. Despite the permanent frown, Grumpy was in fact, lovable and is quite calm most of the time. She even went on to win the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by Friskies and starred in a holiday movie made by Lifetime called ‘Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever’.
Sadly, news of her death came in May 2019 when she was only 7-human-years-old. That said, her legacy lives on as we see her image on birthday cards, illustrations and memes – basically any chance at making people laugh and smile.
3. Lil Bub
While Grumpy Cat taught the internet how to channel their frustrations, Lil Bub tapped into another human trait, and that is to love and be loved.
Lil Bub was diagnosed with an exceptionally rare bone condition called osteopetrosis, and was the only cat in recorded history to have been born with the condition – bulbous eyes and a protruding tongue. Although she is known to be a feral cat that was rescued, her spirit has taught many animal lovers about the strength of unconditional love.
Unfortunately, Lil Bub bid us farewell back in late 2019 and is now in cat heaven but millions of her fans are still able to purchase cool merchandise in memory of the kitty cat.
4. Maru and Hana
Who doesn’t know about the cardboard box-loving, record-breaking cat that we have come to love called Maru?
This Scottish Straight cat from Japan holds the Guinness World Records title for having the ‘Most views for an animal on YouTube’ with over 444 million views at the time of the award. This mischievous feline has been catching worldwide attention since 2008 and is still around continuing to steal our hearts. Except today, Maru shares the limelight with adopted sibling Hana. Follow the amusing obstacles their owner puts them through to test their ninja skills.
5. A Street Cat Named Bob
Okay, grab the tissue box as there will be guaranteed waterworks as we share this heartwarming story. There was once a famous ginger tabby named Bob who helped to literally turn his owner’s life around.
James Bowen was a former drug addict and homeless man. When Bob strolled into his home with an infected leg wound, he gave Bowen a newfound purpose to survive together and the pair eventually became inseparable. So close that the scarf-styled Bob would join him whilst he busked around London, gaining attention of both tourists and locals alike. The pair’s story was so captivating that it’s been turned into a book and then a film adaptation, which Bob starred as himself.
In June 2020, Bowen shared news of Bob’s death: “Bob saved my life. It's as simple as that. He gave me so much more than companionship. With him at my side, I found a direction and purpose that I'd been missing. There's never been a cat like him. And never will again. I feel like the light has gone out in my life. I will never forget him.” – The Vibes, August 8, 2021
*The Vibes would like to remind readers to #BeCatCurious and spend some quality time with your furry friends this International Cat Day!
