History of Grumpy Cat in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 27, 2024

Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, was an internet-famous cat known for her perpetually grumpy expression. Her unique look was a result of feline dwarfism and an underbite. She rose to fame in 2012 when a photo of her, posted on Reddit, spawned countless memes and parodies. Grumpy Cat's image became synonymous with humorous negativity and cynicism online.

April 4, 2012: Tardar Sauce is Born

On April 4, 2012, a cat later to be known as "Grumpy Cat" was born. Her real name was Tardar Sauce.

September 22, 2012: Grumpy Cat Debuts on Reddit

A photograph of Tardar Sauce, nicknamed "Grumpy Cat", was posted on Reddit on September 22, 2012, by Bryan Bundesen, her owner's brother, leading to her rise to internet fame.

2012: First Media Appearances and Endorsements

Following her internet debut, Grumpy Cat began making media appearances alongside her owner, Tabatha Bundesen, and her brother, Bryan Bundesen. She was also featured in advertising campaigns for Friskies and Honey Nut Cheerios.

March 2013: South by Southwest Appearance

Grumpy Cat attended the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive festival in March 2013, making appearances for two hours daily at the Mashable House.

March 22, 2013: New York City Media Tour

Grumpy Cat traveled to New York City on March 22, 2013, to promote the Friskies game show "Will Kitty Play With It?" She appeared on Good Morning America, Anderson Live, and had a photoshoot with Time magazine.

April 18, 2013: "Lil Bub & Friendz" Premieres at Tribeca Film Festival

The documentary "Lil Bub & Friendz", featuring Grumpy Cat, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 18, 2013, and went on to win the Tribeca Online Festival Best Feature Film award.

May 2013: "Grumppuccino" Launch

Grumpy Cat Limited partnered with Grenade Beverage LLC to launch "Grumppuccino" iced coffee beverages in May 2013.

May 2013: Grumpy Cat Movie Optioned

In May 2013, Broken Road Productions acquired the rights to create a "Garfield-like feature film" adaptation based on Grumpy Cat.

July 23, 2013: "Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book" Publication

On July 23, 2013, Chronicle Books published the official Grumpy Cat book, "Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book", which was available in print and digital formats.

September 2013: Friskies Spokescat Announcement

In September 2013, it was announced that Grumpy Cat would be the official spokescat for Friskies.

December 2013: "Grumpy Cat: Unimpressed" Video Game Release

December 2013 saw the release of "Grumpy Cat: Unimpressed", the official Grumpy Cat video game developed by Ganz Studios. The match-three game was available on Facebook, iOS, and Android.

2013: First Grumpy Cat Wall Calendar Release

Chronicle Books published the first edition of The Grumpy Cat Wall Calendar in 2013.

June 11, 2014: Lifetime Announces Grumpy Cat Christmas Movie

Lifetime announced on June 11, 2014, that it would produce a movie starring Grumpy Cat, titled "Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever".

November 6, 2014: Behind-the-Scenes Video Released for "Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever"

On November 6, 2014, Lifetime released a tongue-in-cheek video about the making of "Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever", focusing on the casting of Aubrey Plaza as the voice of Grumpy Cat.

November 29, 2014: "Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever" Premieres

The Lifetime movie "Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever" debuted on November 29, 2014.

December 2015: Lawsuit Against Grenade Beverage LLC

Grumpy Cat Limited filed a lawsuit against Grenade Beverage LLC in December 2015, alleging trademark infringement. Grenade had expanded its Grumpy Cat coffee line beyond the initial agreement without permission.

January 2018: Grumpy Cat Wins Lawsuit

In January 2018, a U.S. District Court jury ruled in favor of Grumpy Cat Limited in the lawsuit against Grenade Beverage Company. Grenade was ordered to pay $710,000 for damages related to copyright and trademark infringement, along with a $1 nominal fee for breach of contract.