Xzibit Had No Idea His 20-Year-Old Cat Thundercat Was Going Viral

Thundercat Has Been Famous At Home For More Than 20 Years

Xzibit has spent decades making records, hosting television and becoming permanently attached to one of the internet’s most durable memes. Somehow, the latest member of his household to go viral is the one who has quietly watched all of it from the couch.

Meet Thundercat — the rapper’s beloved feline companion of more than 20 years. Not the Grammy-winning bassist. The actual cat, who has apparently seen every phase of Xzibit’s career and is now collecting an online fanbase of her own.

After social media users became fascinated with Thundercat’s age and longevity, Xzibit posted a video explaining that he had no idea people cared so much about his cat. What began as surprise quickly turned into a proud pet-parent briefing on the love, medical attention and extremely specific household privileges that have kept her beside him for more than two decades.

Xzibit said Thundercat has dealt with a thyroid issue that caused significant weight loss and now receives ongoing care for kidney problems. Her routine includes fluids administered with help from a doctor and nurse, along with a diet built around the dry food she prefers.

There is also occasional junk food, but only when she is on her best behavior. After 20 years in the same household, Thundercat has clearly negotiated a benefits package.

The attention may feel new to Xzibit, but the cat worship around him has apparently been building for years. Friends and fans have sent paintings of Thundercat, custom artwork and even a sweater carrying her face. In the video, he holds up the gifts as proof that people were celebrating his cat long before the rest of social media officially caught on.

“She’s seen it all,” Xzibit said of his longtime companion, and that may be the real reason the story has connected. Thundercat has been there through album releases, tours, television fame, career changes and the endless afterlife of Pimp My Ride. She is less a celebrity pet than a tiny, furry witness to West Coast entertainment history.

Her new Instagram account quickly drew tens of thousands of followers, introducing a wider audience to the senior cat who has apparently been running the Xzibit household without requiring a camera crew. The rapper remains amused that this is what the internet chose to obsess over, but he is also clearly thrilled that people love Thundercat almost as much as he does.

The most touching part of the video is not the novelty of a rapper showing off cat paintings. It is the practical affection underneath the jokes. Xzibit knows her health history, knows what she eats, makes sure she receives treatment and talks about her like a family member who has earned every soft bed, special meal and ridiculous piece of tribute art coming her way.

So yes, Xzibit’s cat is going viral. He may have had no idea it was happening, but Thundercat appears fully prepared for the spotlight. She has been living with a celebrity for more than 20 years. At this point, she probably considers the attention overdue.

Xzibit Shows How Deep The Thundercat Appreciation Goes

The viral video moves from Thundercat’s care routine to the custom gifts inspired by Xzibit’s longtime companion.

Xzibit discusses Thundercat’s longevity, daily care and growing collection of fan-made tributes. Images via the embedded video.

Watch Xzibit Explain Why Thundercat Is Going Viral

In the video, Xzibit reacts to the sudden attention, explains how he cares for his 20-plus-year-old cat and shows the Thundercat artwork and clothing fans have sent him.

Sources: Complex; Thundercat on Instagram.