So long, Longcat – Internet bids farewell to feline behind famous meme

The Japanese cat that inspired the Longcat meme, Nobiko, has passed away at the age of 18. — Screencap from Twitter

Feline meme star Longcat’s real-life counterpart has passed away after a long life, at age 18.

Hong Kong news portal Stand News reported that the cat, whose name was Nobiko, was taken to the hospital last Sunday, being in poor health.