While cats are known for being lazy and unaffected, one cat was a Zen master above the rest. But, sadly, Shiro, the internet’s most peaceful cat, has passed away at the age of 18.
Shiro’s family shared the news via social media, writing the beloved cat passed away on March 2nd, 2020.
A handsome Turkish Van hailing from Japan, Shiro the cat first delighted cat lovers with his ability to snooze through any photo session in 2006. From hats to flowers, and even veggies, Shiro blissfully smiled through it all and napped his way into our hearts.
A Sleepy, but Happy Cat
Shiro’s full name is Shironeko, which translates to ‘white cat.’ But these aren’t the only names he was known by. The Japanese celebrity cat also garnered the nickname Kagoneko, or Basket Cat, thanks to a meme and his love of chilling in baskets. Fans have also dubbed the sleepy cat as “Zen Cat” because he always looks so darn happy as he snoozes in photos.
Born in March of 2002, Shiro shared his home with several siblings who are often pictured alongside him.
Interesting Facts about a Peaceful Kitty
- In 2007, Shiro experienced renewed fame as a meme cat in “Basketcat is Pleased.”
- Shiro’s YouTube channel launched in 2007 and has millions of views to date.
- Shiro and his family survived the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan in 2008.
- Under his full name, Shironeko published a photo book in 2009.
- The peaceful cat was also honored as number one in Buzzfeed’s 20 Most Important Cats of 2011 because he “took his innovative, inspirational, and, frankly, revolutionary brand of relaxation to new heights.”
Tributes for a Zen Cat
His time spent in such relaxation, Shiro couldn’t help sometimes poking out his pink tongue, and fans couldn’t get enough of his purrfect chill ways. Upon learning of Shiro’s passing, his legion of followers has left tributes and words of love across the social media world. On Facebook, a fan wrote, “You showed the world how wonderful cats are, and you will always be remembered. I love you.”
One Instagram user thanked Shiro for his perpetual joy, “A good life of a great cat. Thank you for all the love you have spread.”
Another fan even came to love cats because of Shiro, writing, “I am crying with tears so hard as if Shiro were my own boy. I love you so much.”
Shiro’s death comes as sad news in the cat world, and we offer our sympathies to his family.
H/T: www.unilad.co.uk
Feature Image: @_shironeko_/Instagram
