Maru, Internet's favorite box cat dies at 18

Maru, famous for his video title “Mugumogu,” had set the Guinness World Record for most views for an animal on YouTube.

Maru set the record while pinching himself into cardboard boxes.

Mari, whose literal meaning in Japanese is “round,” had over 800K subscribers, making him the first feline to achieve this feat on YouTube.

The Scottish feline had held the record for most viewed YouTube video with a total of 325,704,506 views.

Maru's YouTube channel was created back in 2008; the clever feline had won the hearts and minds of the public with his love for cardboard boxes and his living room antics.

A few months ago, Maru celebrated his 18th birthday; cozy naps on the sofa, quirky outfits, and hilarious squeezes into tight spaces have racked up millions of views.

According to the Guinness World Records adjudicator Kaoru Ishikawa, “Maru’s owner was simply documenting his growth through photos and videos when they accidentally turned their pet into an internet buzz.”

Although Maru’s early videos flew under the radar, his ninth upload, featuring him squeezing into tiny cardboard boxes with his legs sticking out, in no time catapulted him to viral fame.

Maru then became a household name on YouTube, but his fame didn’t change him; he stayed grounded, sweet, and entertaining.

A statement on Maru’s demise was posted on his YouTube channel that read, “He went to heaven” on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

His owners added that he hadn’t been feeling well for some time and also had lost his appetite.

They took him to an animal hospital and took tests, and he was diagnosed with a tumor, and Maru’s health deteriorated quickly.

The statement said: “Maru was a laid-back and calm feline, but at the very last moment he made a mad dash… Thank you for supporting Maru until the end.”

Fans expressed their condolences. One user wrote, “He brought a lot of happiness to so many people around the world, and I’m sure even more to his owner. Rest in peace.”