The Enduring Legacy Of Maru Cat: 7 Reasons Why The Box-Loving Legend, Who Passed Away In 2025, Changed The Internet Forever
The internet has lost a legend. As of the current date in December 2025, the world is reflecting on the monumental life of Maru, the beloved Japanese feline whose obsession with cardboard boxes made him a global superstar and a Guinness World Record holder. The sad news that Maru passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 18, after a short illness, marks the end of an era for the "cat video" genre he helped to create.
Maru's legacy extends far beyond simple viral fame; his videos provided a consistent source of pure, unadulterated joy for millions over more than a decade. From his endless attempts to squeeze into impossibly small containers—earning him the nickname "liquid cat"—to his gentle, laid-back demeanor, Maru's influence on internet culture is undeniable, and his memory will continue to inspire cat lovers worldwide.
Maru Cat: The Complete Biography and Profile
Maru was not just a viral sensation; he was a pioneer. His life story is a testament to the power of simple, authentic content and the universal appeal of a charming, quirky cat.
- Full Name: Maru (Japanese: まる, meaning "round" or "circle")
- Species: Feline (Domestic Cat)
- Breed: Scottish Straight (often misidentified as a Scottish Fold, though his ears were straight)
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: May 24, 2007
- Date of Passing: September 6, 2025
- Age at Passing: 18 years old
- Owner/Creator: An anonymous Japanese individual known by the pseudonym "mugumogu" (the name of his YouTube channel)
- YouTube Channel: "I am Maru."
- Rise to Fame: Videos began appearing in July 2008, quickly gaining traction for his distinctive habit of squeezing into boxes and containers.
- Famous Companions: Hana (female mackerel tabby, adopted in 2013) and Miri (a second companion cat).
- Notable Achievements: Guinness World Record holder for the "Most YouTube video views for an individual animal."
7 Reasons Why Maru's Legacy as the 'Liquid Cat' Will Never Be Forgotten
Maru’s life was a masterclass in internet stardom, proving that sometimes, the simplest acts—like a cat struggling to fit into a box—can be the most entertaining. His passing in 2025 prompted a massive outpouring of tributes, cementing his status as a true digital icon. Here are the core elements of his enduring legacy.
1. The Guinness World Record for Views
Maru was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the most YouTube video views for an individual animal. By 2016, his videos had amassed over 325 million views, a staggering figure that highlighted his unparalleled popularity. While that record may have been surpassed since, the fact that a simple, unscripted cat video series could reach such heights speaks volumes about his charisma. His channel, "I am Maru.," eventually accumulated well over 582 million total views, a monumental achievement that paved the way for countless other pet influencers.
2. The Iconic 'Box Obsession' and the 'Liquid Cat' Nickname
The cornerstone of Maru’s fame was his profound and comical love for cardboard boxes. No box was too small, too large, or too oddly shaped for Maru to attempt to occupy. This signature quirk led to his most famous moniker: the "Liquid Cat." The term refers to the humorous phenomenon of a seemingly solid cat melting and conforming to the shape of any container, no matter how restrictive. His videos documenting this obsession, such as "Maru fits into a small box" and "Maru gets into a box," became instantly recognizable formats that defined the early era of viral pet content.
3. Pioneering the Global 'Cat Video' Genre
When Maru’s videos first appeared in 2008, the concept of a dedicated, high-quality YouTube channel for a single pet was relatively new. Maru, along with a few other early internet cats, played a pivotal role in popularizing and legitimizing the entire "cat video" genre. His success demonstrated that there was a massive, global appetite for wholesome, humorous animal content, inspiring a generation of pet owners to share their own furry companions with the world. He proved that an anonymous owner and a simple camera could create an international phenomenon.
4. The Introduction of Companion Cats Hana and Miri
In 2013, Maru’s owner, mugumogu, adopted a new companion: Hana, a female mackerel tabby kitten. Hana quickly became a fan favorite, providing a perfect foil to Maru's calm, somewhat clumsy demeanor. The dynamic between the two cats—Maru's continued box antics and Hana's often playful tolerance—added a new layer of charm to the channel. Later, a second companion, Miri, was also introduced, further enriching the content and expanding the topical authority of the "I am Maru." universe.
5. His Unwavering, Gentle Personality
Despite his fame, Maru always projected a laid-back, calm, and perpetually cheerful disposition. His videos were a soothing antidote to the stresses of daily life. Fans often praised his gentle nature and his ability to remain unfazed by his own hilarious predicaments, whether he was rolling around in a paper bag or struggling to extract himself from a tight space. This consistent, positive personality was a key factor in his long-term appeal, fostering a deep, emotional connection with his audience that transcended language barriers.
6. The Enduring Power of Simplicity
Maru's videos were never heavily edited or overly produced. They focused on his natural, everyday life, which highlighted the authentic joy of pet ownership. This commitment to simplicity is a major part of his legacy. It taught content creators that genuine moments are often more valuable than elaborate setups. The consistency of his content—always featuring a new box, a new toy, or a new interaction—kept his audience engaged for over a decade, proving that quality and authenticity trump fleeting trends.
7. A Touching Final Chapter
The announcement of Maru’s death in September 2025, after a decline in health and a cancer diagnosis, was handled with the same dignity and love that characterized his life on camera. The tributes that followed from fans and media outlets around the world highlighted the profound impact this Japanese cat had on global culture. Maru lived a long, healthy, and incredibly influential life, passing away at the impressive age of 18, leaving behind a massive digital footprint that continues to bring happiness to millions. His final chapter is a reminder that even the biggest stars are, at the end of the day, beloved family members.
Entities and LSI Keywords Related to Maru Cat's Legacy
To fully appreciate Maru’s influence, it is important to consider the many related entities and concepts his fame touched upon, which include:
- Internet Cats (a major genre)
- Scottish Fold (his associated breed)
- Cardboard Boxes (his signature prop)
- Mugumogu (owner's pseudonym and channel name)
- Hana the Cat (his adopted companion)
- Miri the Cat (second companion)
- I am Maru. (YouTube channel)
- Guinness World Record (official achievement)
- Cat Video Genre (the content type he pioneered)
- Liquid Cat (his famous nickname)
- Viral Pet Content (the industry he helped create)
- Japanese Cats (his origin)
- Feline Behavior (scientific interest in his box obsession)
- Scottish Straight (his actual breed)
- YouTube Stardom
- Pet Influencers
- Animal Celebrity
- Mackerel Tabby (Hana's breed)
- Wholesome Content
- Digital Footprint
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