Maru, the record-breaking cat with a love of boxes, has died

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Maru, the world-famous Scottish Fold cat from Japan who became an international internet sensation for his irresistible love of cardboard boxes, has passed away at the age of 18. His owners announced his death on September 6 on the YouTube channel Mugumogu, where Maru’s playful antics had entertained millions for over a decade and a half.

Known as the “box cat,” Maru wasn’t just another viral pet — he was a cultural phenomenon. His charming videos of squeezing into boxes of all shapes and sizes made him one of the most-watched animals on YouTube. In 2016, the Guinness World Records recognized Maru for having “the most views for an animal on YouTube,” after his videos surpassed 325 million views. Today, his channel boasts nearly 900,000 subscribers and remains a beloved archive of pure joy and simplicity in the digital age.

Maru’s owner shared the heartbreaking news in a gentle statement:

> “Maru was usually laid-back, but in his very last moment he made an unexpected final sprint… Thank you for supporting Maru until his end.”

According to the post, Maru had fallen ill, and a veterinary examination revealed a tumour in his lungs. Despite his illness, he remained calm and content in his familiar surroundings until the very end.

For millions of fans, Maru’s passing marks the end of an era. Since first appearing online in 2008, Maru’s charm lay in his unique combination of curiosity, calmness, and comic timing. Whether diving into impossibly small boxes, sliding across wooden floors, or sharing quiet moments with his feline companions Hana and Miri, Maru’s videos carried an almost meditative joy — simple, wholesome, and endlessly rewatchable.

Across social media, tributes have poured in from admirers around the world. On Reddit, one fan wrote, “Loved him and his antics. Got me smiling through tough times. RIP sweet prince.” Another added, “RIP Maru — the original ‘if he fits, he sits.’” For many, his playful spirit was more than entertainment; it was a comforting presence through the ups and downs of everyday life.

One longtime viewer shared an especially touching memory:

> “I cried about this when I first heard this morning. I’ve been watching Maru videos for at least 15 years … I watched his birthday videos each year and associate some of the music his owner used with my daughter’s early years because we watched them so often. He lived a long life where he was loved very much and treated like a prince – as well it should be for every cat.”

These heartfelt tributes reveal the deep emotional bond between Maru and his audience. In a world filled with fleeting internet trends, Maru stood out for his quiet consistency and the genuine affection that radiated from his home videos. His appeal was universal — no flashy editing or gimmicks, just a cat being himself, reminding viewers that happiness can be found in life’s smallest corners.

Even after 18 years, Maru retained the same spirit that made him famous: a curious explorer of cardboard boxes, a calm observer of life, and a gentle companion to millions who never met him in person but felt like they knew him. His videos will continue to delight new generations, serving as a timeless reminder of how simple joy can transcend language, culture, and borders.

As the Mugumogu channel’s final tribute suggested, Maru’s “unexpected final sprint” was a fitting farewell for a cat who always moved at his own pace, surprising and delighting fans to the very end.

Farewell, Maru — the internet’s favorite box cat, who taught us that love, laughter, and a good cardboard box can fill even the smallest of spaces with happiness.