Iconic internet feline “Simon's cat” the inspiration for the globally adored animated series Simon’s Cat, has died peacefully at home, according to sources close to creator Simon Tofield. The beloved white cat, whose mischievous antics launched a viral empire, was reportedly 15 years old.
A Furry Legend Behind the Screen
Simon Tofield, the illustrator and animator behind the YouTube sensation, confirmed in a private message to close fans that Hugh passed away earlier today. “He was more than a muse — he was family,” Simon wrote. The animated version of Simon’s Cat, launched in 2008, was directly based on Hugh’s real-world behavior, quirks, and habits — from demanding food with dramatic flair to fighting garden critters.
$RIPCAT Token Surges 430% Within Minutes
In response to the news, crypto traders launched a tribute memecoin dubbed $RIPCAT, honoring the feline's legacy. Within minutes of the announcement, $RIPCAT soared, gaining traction as “the first official tribute coin for a meme culture founder.” Early adopters are rallying behind the tagline: "The paw that launched a million views."
Internet’s First True Meme Cat
Before Nyan Cat, before Doge, there was Simon’s Cat — a hand-drawn troublemaker with real-world roots. The YouTube series has amassed over 1.8 billion views and is considered one of the earliest internet franchises to transition into books, merchandise, and even mobile games. Hugh’s influence is often cited in retrospectives on internet culture.
A Quiet Goodbye, A Loud Legacy
Hugh reportedly passed in his sleep, surrounded by the team that helped turn his everyday feline mischief into a global sensation. Fans are already pouring tributes across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Reddit, with hashtags like #ThankYouHugh and #SimonsCatForever trending globally.
