Not all internet celebrities smile for the camera. Some become famous for doing the exact opposite.

Grumpy Cat, whose frown launched a thousand memes, wasn't acting—she was born that way. The cat's real name was Tardar Sauce (yes, like the condiment), and her permanently disgruntled expression came from feline dwarfism, a genetic condition that affected her facial structure and gave her that iconic scowl.

From Arizona to Internet Royalty

Tardar Sauce was born in 2012 in Arizona. Her owner's brother posted a photo to Reddit, and within 48 hours, the grumpy-faced feline became an internet sensation. But unlike other flash-in-the-pan memes, Grumpy Cat had staying power.

The internet couldn't get enough of pairing that perpetually annoyed face with sarcastic captions. She became the mascot for anyone having a bad day, embodying the collective mood of Monday mornings everywhere.

What Made Her Look So Grumpy?

Feline dwarfism isn't one condition but a group of genetic disorders affecting bone growth. In Tardar Sauce's case, it resulted in:

An underbite that made her lower jaw jut forward
A flat facial structure that exaggerated her frown
Shorter legs and a smaller body than typical cats
A slightly off-kilter gait when she walked

Despite her appearance, Tardar Sauce was reportedly a happy, healthy cat. The grumpy face was purely cosmetic—inside, she was just a regular cat who enjoyed the usual cat things, minus the smiling.

From Meme to Media Empire

Grumpy Cat didn't just dominate social media. She became a full-blown brand. There were Grumpy Cat books, a Grumpy Cat movie, official merchandise, and even a Grumpy Cat coffee blend called "Grumppuccino." She made appearances on major TV shows and had more endorsement deals than some Hollywood actors.

Forbes estimated her earnings in the millions. Not bad for a cat who looked perpetually unimpressed by everything.

The End of an Era

Tardar Sauce passed away in May 2019 at age seven from complications related to a urinary tract infection. The news sparked an outpouring of tributes across the internet—proof that beneath all the sarcastic memes, people genuinely loved this grumpy little cat.

Her legacy lives on in countless memes, in the merchandise still sold today, and in the way she proved that being different—even grumpy—can make you unforgettable. Tardar Sauce may have looked like she hated everything, but she gave millions of people a reason to smile.

And honestly? She probably would have been annoyed about that.

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