Maru is a Scottish Fold cat from Japan whose obsession with boxes and slapstick physical comedy made him YouTube’s most-viewed animal, accumulating 450+ million views since 2008.
The Star
Born May 24, 2007, Maru lives in Japan with owner “mugumogu,” who began uploading videos in May 2008. Maru’s signature moves include:
- Box diving: Leaping headfirst into boxes regardless of size
- Sliding: Running and sliding across floors on his belly
- Failed jumps: Missing targets with perfect comedic timing
- Tight fits: Squeezing into impossibly small containers
The videos feature no narration, just Maru’s antics set to calm background music, creating meditative comedy.
Cultural Impact
Maru became one of YouTube’s first animal superstars alongside Keyboard Cat and Surprised Kitty. Unlike American pet influencers with constant uploads, mugumogu posted 2-3 times weekly, maintaining quality over quantity.
The channel’s longevity (2008-present) documented Maru’s entire life, with fans watching him age from kitten to senior cat. In 2016, mugumogu adopted Hana (another Scottish Fold), then Miri (2020), expanding the cast while Maru remained the star.
Guinness World Record: In 2016, Maru officially became “Most Watched Animal on YouTube” with 325+ million views (now 450+ million).
Japanese vs Western Pet Content
Maru’s aesthetic differed from loud, edited American pet videos:
- Minimal editing: Long takes, natural lighting, ambient sound
- Understated humor: No memes, text overlays, or viral stunts
- Domestic tranquility: Videos convey peaceful home life
- Respect for cat: Never forcing Maru into costumes or uncomfortable situations
This approach influenced later “cozy content” trends and ASMR animal videos.
Merchandise & Books
Maru appeared in three photo books (Japan and international editions), calendars, and licensed products. In 2010, Maru attended his own book signing in Tokyo (via video screen), where fans met him “in person.”
Sources:
- Guinness World Records: Most Watched Animal on YouTube (2016)
- YouTube Analytics: View Count and Longevity Data
- Japan Times: “Maru: The International Box-Loving Sensation” (2012)