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Maru The Cat’s Legendary Legacy: 10 Facts About The Box-Loving YouTube Sensation Who Defined A Generation

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The world of internet cat stardom was forever changed when Maru, the beloved Scottish Fold from Japan, passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 18. His passing marks the end of an era for millions of fans worldwide who followed his life on the YouTube channel Mugumogu, a channel that has become a digital monument to his playful antics and unparalleled charm.

For nearly two decades, Maru became synonymous with pure, unadulterated joy, captivating a global audience with his obsession with cardboard boxes and his signature sliding moves. As of today, December 18, 2025, his legacy remains unmatched, cementing his status not just as a pet, but as a true internet celebrity and a record-breaking phenomenon whose videos continue to bring smiles to new generations of viewers.

Maru The Cat: A Full Biography and Record-Breaking Profile

Maru, whose name in Japanese (まる) means "round," perfectly encapsulated his plump, endearing physique and gentle nature. His life was a masterclass in accidental stardom, turning simple daily activities into viral gold.

  • Full Name: Maru (まる)
  • Breed: Scottish Fold / Scottish Straight (His ears were upright, despite the Fold lineage)
  • Date of Birth: May 24, 2007
  • Date of Passing: September 6, 2025
  • Age at Passing: 18 years old (Equivalent to approximately 88 human years)
  • Owner: A Japanese videographer known by the pseudonym Mugumogu (sometimes referred to as Nora)
  • Companion Cat: Hana (Adopted in 2013)
  • YouTube Channel: mugumogu
  • Guinness World Record: Most YouTube video views for an animal
  • Total YouTube Views (at one point): Over 582 million views (as of 2025)
  • Iconic Behavior: Obsession with fitting into any size box, regardless of how small, and sliding across the floor on his belly.

The Indomitable Spirit of a Box-Loving Legend

Maru's rise to global fame was a phenomenon of the early internet, showcasing the universal appeal of a simple, happy cat. His owner, Mugumogu, began uploading videos in 2007, shortly after adopting him as a kitten. The content was straightforward: Maru exploring, playing, and, most famously, interacting with boxes.

The core of Maru’s appeal lay in his unwavering dedication to the cardboard box. His videos weren't highly produced; they were candid, often featuring the camera shaking with the owner’s laughter. Whether it was a tiny shoebox, a large shipping container, or a series of boxes lined up, Maru’s mission was always the same: if it fits, he sits. This endearing, slightly clumsy determination is what earned him the title of the "box-loving cat" and made videos like "Many Too Small Boxes and Maru" instant classics.

This simple, repetitive comedy proved to be a goldmine for digital content. By 2016, Maru had officially secured a coveted Guinness World Record for the "most YouTube video views for an animal," a testament to his massive global following. His videos were shared across every social media platform, turning him into a true internet celebrity and a pioneer of the viral pet video trend that now dominates platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Maru’s personality was often described as laid-back and calm, yet his video persona was full of playful energy, a perfect blend that resonated with viewers seeking a moment of peace and laughter in their day. The sheer volume of views—surpassing 582 million—highlights his profound impact on internet culture and the pet entertainment industry.

The Later Years: Hana, Miri, and The Enduring Legacy

Maru's life changed in 2013 with the introduction of Hana, a tri-color Scottish Straight cat. While Maru was the undisputed star, Hana quickly became a beloved co-star, often appearing alongside the older cat in videos, providing a delightful contrast in personalities. Hana, who was more energetic and sometimes mischievous, formed a sweet and often comical relationship with the placid Maru.

The dynamic between Maru and Hana broadened the channel's appeal, adding heartwarming elements of companionship and sibling rivalry. Fans adored watching Hana snuggle with Maru or attempt to join him in his treasured boxes, further enriching the content and providing new topical authority for the Mugumogu channel. Another cat, Miri, was also occasionally mentioned, adding more depth to the feline family dynamic.

In his later years, Maru continued to appear in videos, though perhaps with a bit less of the rambunctious sliding that defined his youth. The focus shifted slightly to his calm demeanor and the sweet interactions with his owner and Hana. Fans cherished every new update, recognizing the cat’s advanced age and appreciating the continued glimpse into his peaceful life in Japan.

The Impact of a Viral Cat Sensation

Maru's influence extends far beyond his YouTube view count. He is arguably one of the most important figures in the history of viral pet content. Long before algorithms were sophisticated, Maru proved that an authentic, simple, and funny pet video could captivate a global audience. He helped pave the way for a new generation of pet influencers and established the viability of pet-centric content as a major form of entertainment.

His legacy is built on a foundation of pure, unscripted joy. Maru's Scottish Fold personality—gentle, curious, and utterly devoted to his simple pleasures—offered a form of escapism that resonated deeply with people from all walks of life. The outpouring of grief following the announcement of his death on September 6, 2025, was immense, with fans from around the world sharing their favorite "Maru moments" and thanking Mugumogu for sharing their beloved companion with the world.

Maru lived a long, full life, reaching the impressive age of 18, a testament to the care he received from his dedicated owner. His final videos, which showed him still enjoying life, albeit more slowly, serve as a beautiful, final chapter to a legendary career. While the "Indomitable Spirit" may have finally rested, the videos of Maru's box-loving antics and charming slides will ensure that his legacy as the internet's most famous and most-watched cat endures for decades to come.

Maru The Cat’s Legendary Legacy: 10 Facts About The Box-Loving YouTube Sensation Who Defined A Generation
maru cat
maru cat

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