Stop for a meow-ment of silence — Colonel Meow has died.

The Internet-famous feline's human announced his passing Thursday on Facebook.

Colonel Meow suffered health problems last November, but appeared to be back to his scotch-swigging, minion-grumbling form in recent months.

The Colonel found fame after his humans uploaded photos of their curmudgeonly kitty to Facebook as a joke. He made his home in Los Angeles after his owners stumbled on him at an adoption event while living in Seattle, and fell in love when he scratched at the plastic cage as if to say "how am I suppose to pursue world domination from inside this place?"

His background and perpetually serious face helped build his online persona as a booze-loving aspiring dictator. "The Colonel has seen some shit," owner Anne Marie Avey told Mashable last September. When selecting his name, Avey explained that he "needed a rank" and a moniker like Edward or Steve just wouldn't fit.

As his fame grew, Colonel Meow hobnobbed with other celebrity cats, including Grumpy Cat and Lil Bub.

Image: RealGrumpyCat

When asked for a comment, Grumpy Cat told Mashable: "It may be the grumpiest day ever. Grumpy and Colonel made a special connection at the Friskies holiday event and it feels like she lost a partner in crime. Long live Colonel Meow."

Lil Bub, who has faced her own health issues and featured the Colonel in her book, shared her condolences in a sweet message:

"Dear Colonel, you are without question, the most remarkable, impressive and regal living creatures I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Despite your intimidating facade, you were an incredible kind and loving creature that brought millions of humans great joy. Your legacy will never be forgotten Colonel. See you in space my dear friend."

Colonel Meow and Lil Bub in happier times. Image: IAMLILBUB

Bub's dude, Mike Bridavsky, also offered his thoughts on the death of the Internet supercat:

"Colonel is one of the most amazing cats I have ever had the honor of meeting. And I've met a lot of cats. Much like BUB, the only thing more amazing than his incredible looks are his truly wonderful demeanor and personality. He was a one-of-a-kind cat that you could tell was very deeply loved by his owner. Anne Marie is a really great friend, and my thoughts go our to her and the rest of Colonel's family. You will never be forgotten Colonel. "

The minions will miss you, Colonel Meow. We hope they serve scotch in cat heaven.