One of the internet’s most beloved cats, Maru, has passed away at the age of 18. The Scottish Fold from Japan became a viral sensation for his hilarious love of cardboard boxes, delighting millions of fans around the world. His owner confirmed that Maru died on 6 September 2025 after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer.
The Rise of Maru’s Fame
Maru was adopted in 2007, and his owner — who goes by the nickname Mugumogu online — began uploading videos of his daily life to YouTube. What set Maru apart was his obsession with boxes. Whether it was a shoebox, a carton, or a giant crate, Maru would leap, slide, and squeeze himself into every shape and size.
By 2016, Maru’s videos had earned him a Guinness World Record as the most-viewed animal on YouTube, with over 325 million views at that time. He eventually accumulated more than 577 million total views and nearly 900,000 subscribers, making him one of the most successful animal stars in internet history.
Why People Loved Him
Maru’s appeal was his simplicity and authenticity. Unlike staged pet content, his videos captured everyday moments that turned into comedy gold thanks to his personality. His round face, playful clumsiness, and endless determination made him universally loved.
Fans around the world called him the “king of boxes,” and his determination to fit into any container became a symbol of persistence, humor, and joy.
Maru’s Internet Legacy
Though Maru’s Guinness World Record was later overtaken in 2018 by another animal channel, he remains one of the most iconic internet pets of all time. His fame showed the world that a pet could become a global star without gimmicks — just by being themselves.
In Japan, Maru became a cultural figure of positivity, and globally, he represented the early, wholesome era of viral internet content. Many of today’s pet influencers owe their popularity to trailblazers like Maru.
Quick Facts About Maru
- Breed: Scottish Fold (straight variety)
- Country: Japan
- First YouTube Video: 2007
- Signature Trait: Jumping into boxes of all shapes and sizes
- Guinness Record: Most viewed animal on YouTube (2016, 325M+ views)
- Total Views: 577M+ (as of Sept 2025)
- Subscribers: ~900,000
Fans React to His Passing
The news of Maru’s passing has led to an outpouring of grief online. Fans have shared artwork, tribute posts, and thank-you messages for the joy Maru brought into their lives.
One fan wrote: “Goodbye Maru, the internet’s happiest cat. You made us smile through the simplest of things.” Another added: “He was part of our childhood — we’ll never forget the box king.”
FAQs About Maru
Who was Maru?
Maru was a Scottish Fold cat from Japan, famous for his viral YouTube videos showing his love for cardboard boxes.
When did Maru pass away?
Maru died on 6 September 2025 at the age of 18, after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma.
How many views did Maru have?
Maru’s channel has accumulated over 577 million views and nearly 900,000 subscribers as of September 2025.
Did Maru still hold a Guinness record?
Maru was awarded the Guinness World Record in 2016 for being the most-viewed animal on YouTube, with 325M views then. The record was later surpassed, but Maru remains an internet legend.
Conclusion
Maru was more than just a cat on YouTube — he was a symbol of joy and simplicity in the digital age. For nearly two decades, he entertained, comforted, and united people worldwide with nothing more than his curiosity and a cardboard box.
As fans say their goodbyes, one truth remains: Maru will forever be remembered as the internet’s true king of boxes.