When Mike Bridavsky first encountered little Bub, he sensed she would significantly impact her life. What he didn’t anticipate was the profound influence she would have on his.
Lil Bub, an internet sensation, achieved fame by pure chance.
A few years ago, Mike discovered this extraordinary feline in a tool shed in Indiana.
Unlike her littermates, Lil Bub had a unique appearance. Mike humorously told Mental Floss that she looked like an extraterrestrial being who crash-landed on Earth and mingled with a litter of Earth kittens.
The connection between Mike and Lil Bub was immediate.
As soon as he saw her, he picked her up, and she began to purr contentedly in his hands.
He affectionately greeted her with, “Hey, Bub,” and she promptly fell asleep on his shoulder.
It was then that Mike realized the challenges Lil Bub faced in finding a permanent home due to her special needs.
Lil Bub is no ordinary cat. She’s a “perma-kitten” with a severe form of dwarfism.
This condition gives her a distinctive appearance: her limbs are disproportionately small compared to her body, making movement difficult.
Additionally, her lower jaw is shorter than her upper one, and she has no teeth, causing her tongue to always hang out.
Another intriguing aspect of Lil Bub is her polydactylism, meaning she has extra toes on all four paws.
Mike recalled, “She was very small, very strange, and even though she was irresistible, I think people were scared of the responsibility, medical bills, and potential heartbreak that seemed inevitable with a special cat like BUB.”
Mike initially thought Lil Bub might have a short lifespan, but he was determined to give her a loving home and the care she needed.
After adopting Lil Bub, Mike took her to a veterinarian.
The vet was astonished by Lil Bub’s unique appearance, declaring her the most unusual cat he had ever seen.
However, after a thorough examination, he assured Mike that despite her peculiarities, Lil Bub was in relatively good health.
Despite her physical challenges, Lil Bub is a lively and happy cat.
She loves spending time with Mike, especially at his recording studio.
Mike’s immense pride in Lil Bub led him to share her pictures on BUBlog, showcasing her charming quirks to the world.
Lil Bub’s appeal is limitless.
She has her own book titled “Lil BUB’s Lil Book: The Extraordinary Life of the Most Amazing Cat on the Planet.”
This book features vibrant photos of her adventures, from soaring through space to leisurely naps and even skateboarding escapades.
Moreover, she has a range of merchandise, including shirts, toys, mugs, and even a bobblehead.
Her popularity soared further when Vice Media produced a documentary about her called “Lil Bubz and Friendz.”
But Mike and Lil Bub’s mission isn’t just about fame.
They aim to raise awareness for homeless and special needs pets.
Their appearances across the US often require attendees to make donations, whether monetary or in the form of supplies, to the hosting shelters.
Their commitment to the cause is further demonstrated through the Lil Bub Fund, where proceeds from their merchandise sales go to various shelters, including the Bloomington Animal Shelter, the Monroe County Humane Association, and the Exotic Feline Rescue Center.
Lil Bub’s story is not just about a cute cat becoming an internet star.
It’s a testament to the profound impact animals can have on our lives.
Through Lil Bub, Mike’s perspective on life has changed, and together, they continue to inspire and make a difference in the world.