Pet’s Name: Lil BUB
Age: 6
Location: Bloomington, IN
Website: lilbub.com
Instagram:@iamlilbub (1.7m)
Facebook: @iamlilbiub (3m)
Twitter: @iamlilbub (600k)
YouTube: /lilbubbub (230k)
Lil BUB’s Favorites:
Activity – Meditation, Toy – Meditation, Food – Yogurt
By Jennifer Galluzzo
At first glance, you can see why she has over 5 million combined fans – Lil BUB is simply adorable. We looked deeper, however, and were frankly in awe. This little creature, often referred to as a “one-of-a-kind magical space cat” has raised over $500,000 for other pets that were homeless or in need of some extra cash. Yes, HALF A MILLION dollars! Go, Lil BUB!
So, how does a cat even do that? Aside from sheer heart melting cuteness, a caring, compassionate, dedicated, very special person is behind the scenes with Lil BUB. Mike Bridavsky has spent 40 – 90 hours each week for the last six years helping Lil BUB raise awareness for homeless pets, and money for the special care that some require. Lil BUB has partnered with the ASPCA to help special needs pets nationwide. Lil BUB’s BIG Fund for the ASPCA raises money through direct donations and proceeds from her merchandise and appearances.
While BUB can certainly be found on the Internet, Mike doesn’t really think of her as an “Internet Star” despite her fame. She first became known when a photo of hers went viral on her blog. Shortly after that she was featured on Buzzfeed, which led to an appearance on Good Morning America, a feature-length documentary “Lil BUB and Friendz” with VICE Media, a book, a TV special on Animal Planet called “Lil BUB’s Special Special” a weather app, a store full of merchandise and more. Aside from the fact that she’s helped thousands of people and hundreds of thousands of pets, we still wanted to know more about this incredible little kitty. We sat down with Mike to get some inside information on Lil BUB. Here’s what he had to say.
Does Lil BUB have any special talents?
Clairvoyance, telepathy, teleportation, time travel, telekinesis, levitation.
What do people love best about Lil BUB?
Her razor-sharp wit, her perseverance and determination, and her commitment to homeless pets.
How did you decide on Lil BUB’s online persona?
I have no control over BUB’s persona. She is who she is, and I love her for it. So do we, Mike. Keep up the fantastic work!