The Unlikely Star of SXSW: Grumpy Cat
This is the first official public appearance for Grumpy Cat, who lives with her owner, Tabatha Bundesen, in Morristown, Arizona. The cat first gained fame in September when Bryan, Tabatha’s brother, posted some photos of her on Reddit, the social-news site.
“It was an accident,” said Bryan Bundesen of the viral stardom that followed. “We thought it would get some laughs, with the Internet liking cats. And it just kept going.”
Grumpy Cat now has a website that Bryan Bundesen said attracts 1.5 million unique visitors a month, plus a popular Facebook page, YouTube channel and Twitter account. Bryan manages her social media pages from his home in Ohio with occasional help from Tabatha, who sends him fresh Grumpy Cat photos every week or so.
“I don’t mind it,” Tabatha said of her pet’s celebrity. “I’m thrilled to see that my cat brings joy to people.”