Death of celebrity cat saddens the internet

A round face, white fur, fatty body — but more importantly, a full set of funny poses — pushed a cat to stardom on Chinese internet.

Lou Lou （Photo/Official weibo account of Lou Banniang）

Lou Lou （Photo/Official weibo account of Lou Banniang）

Lou Lou, an instant online celebrity with over 680,000 fans on Sina Weibo, the Chinese answer to Twitter and one of the country's major social media outlets.

Lou Lou （Photo/Official weibo account of Lou Banniang）

Its facial expressions have been adapted into emojis and widely used on the internet. "You may not know the cat's name, but you must have seen its emojis," says Lou Banniang, the cat's owner.

Lou Lou in hpspital（Photo/Official weibo account of Lou Banniang）

Lou Lou in rescue（Photo/Official weibo account of Lou Banniang）

Sadly, Lou Lou died of a heart attack on Oct 14, leading to a wave of despair among quite a few online users.

Lou Lou （Photo/Official weibo account of Lou Banniang）

Lou Lou （Photo/Official weibo account of Lou Banniang）

"I cannot accept the fact that Lou Lou has gone forever, and my favorite emojis cannot update any more," Weibo user Xiao Pihai_223 said.

Lou Lou （Photo/Official weibo account of Lou Banniang）

"One of the necessities in my life is watching each and every move of Lou Lou. It looks like an angel to me, and it has now gone back to paradise," added Pai Dadui, another user.

"Lou Lou We are home."said Lou Lou's master in Weibo （Photo/Official weibo account of Lou Banniang）

The cat first gained public attention last year, thanks to a short video recording its naughty yet interesting movements in the bathing process, and a clip that has been viewed millions of times.

Jill Biden has written a children's picture book about her White House cat, Willow, that will be published in June.

Simon & Schuster announced Wednesday that “Willow the White House Cat” tells the story of how the short-haired tabby ended up at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Aides previously had said the cat impressed Jill Biden after it jumped on stage as she spoke at a Pennsylvania farm during the 2020 presidential campaign. Biden later adopted the cat and named it after her hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

“As Willow bounds from room to room, exploring history in her new home, she learns quickly about all of the incredible people who make the ‘People’s House’ run,” the first lady said in the publisher's announcement. “They welcomed Willow with love and care, just as they did Joe and me, the First Families who came before us, and all of the people who step foot into this home.

“Making many new friends along the way, Willow’s journey gives the world a ‘cats-eye’ view of all the ins and outs of America’s most famous address,” she said.

FILE - Willow, the Biden family's new pet cat, wanders around the White House on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2022 in Washington. Jill Biden has written a children's picture book about her White House cat, Willow, that will be published in June. Simon & Schuster announced Wednesday, March 27, 2024, that “Willow the White House Cat” tells the story of how the short-haired tabby ended up at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. (Erin Scott/The White House via AP, File)

Willow, now 4 years old, is the only Biden pet still living at the White House. They have had three German shepherd dogs. Champ died in 2021, and Major and later Commander were sent away after exhibiting aggressive behavior, including biting Secret Service personnel and members of the White House staff.

Presidential pets are an enduring source of public fascination and often the subject of books. George H.W. Bush's dog, Millie, “opined” on her White House life in “Millie's Book,” and first lady Hillary Clinton wrote a book about the letters that were sent to her family pets, cat Socks and dog Buddy. Books have also been written about President Barack Obama's white-chested Portuguese water dog, Bo.

“Willow the White House Cat” will be published by Paula Wiseman Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. It was co-written with award-winning author Alyssa Satin Capucilli and illustrated by acclaimed artist Kate Berube. Jill Biden will donate proceeds from sales of the book to charities that support military dogs.

The first lady's previous children's titles are “Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops” and “Joey: The Story of Joe Biden.” She published her memoir, “Where the Light Enters,” in 2019.

First lady Jill Biden arrives for a Women's History Month reception in the East Room of the White House, Monday, March 18, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)