Maru, ©mugumogu
Maru when he was a kitten ©mugumogu
Remember the Japanese cat who has won millions of people’s hearts on YouTube with his silly antics and obsession for boxes? Maru, a perk-eared Scottish Fold, has become an internet meme and even appeared on Ellen DeGeneres’ show and various other TV shows in the US and many other countries. We have spoken to Maru and his hooman and got the inside scoop on Maru’s life.
When Maru first entered his home, he was only four months old, but he weighed over 5 lbs (2.4kg) already. Maru has always been a pudgy cat (now 5.5kg or 12.1lbs). The name “Maru” means “round” in Japanese, but according to Maru’s hooman, Mugumogu did not name him because of his round shape. The name was decided before Maru arrived. It is a short name and easy for the cat to understand.
Maru’s obsession with boxes started when he was a little kitten. He played with boxes and used them as beds. Maru is mischievous and loves to command attention. He will act silly on purpose in order to get people to notice him. Maru loves to play with water. Whenever Mugumogu is washing up in the bathroom, Maru will join in and swat the water with his little paws.
In November 2007, Maru decided to start his own blog to share his stories with the world. It was July, 2008 when Maru uploaded his first YouTube video. His videos became so popular that there was a whirlwind of Maru love sweeping through the Internet. More than 48,000 people have subscribed to Maru’s YouTube channel and more than 46 million views have been generated by cat lovers and Maru’s fans from all over the world. (Currently Maru does not have a Facebook page, you can follow Maru’s twitter @Maru_0524 and visit Maru at his blog or YouTube Channel)
Maru loves the sink ©mugumogu
Below interview is translated by Yuki Shirase. See interview in both Japanese and English here. Thanks Maru for the link back 
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Amy: How did you meet your family?
Maru: I was 4 months old when I moved here in September 2007. I don’t remember how I got here, but I was told that my hooman fell in love with me when saw me at first sight.
Amy: What kind of food do you like?
Maru: I usually eat both dry food and wet food. My favorite food is chicken and tuna.
Amy: What do you do everyday?
Maru: Sleep, eat, and play. My hooman always says that I live a life that everybody envies.
Amy: What’s your favorite toy?
Maru: I love to play with a feather wand or whatever my hooman attaches to the wand. I also play Hide and Seek with my hooman and then chase my hooman around.
Maru hiding in a bag ©mugumogu
Amy: Do you know you are famous on YouTube? What do you think about your fame on YouTube?
Maru: I don’t really know how famous I am, but my hooman sometimes tells me that “Everybody likes you, Maru.” I just don’t get it. I am always so busy sleeping, eating and playing everyday. My hooman says it is ok that I don’t understand as long as I am happy.
Amy: Do you like to play with other cats?
Maru: I have never played with other cats.
Amy: Why do you like boxes so much?
Maru: I don’t know why, but I can’t seem to stop going into a box when I see one. It just gets me so excited!
Amy: What else do you like besides boxes?
Maru: I love hanging out on top of a cat tree, by the window and in the bathroom.
Maru trying to nap in a bucket ©mugumogu
Amy: Do you prefer big boxes or small boxes?
Maru: When I nap I like a small box because it is snug and fits me just right. However, when I play, I prefer a huge one .
Amy: Do you often play in the backyard? How do you like it?
Maru: It’s getting warmer lately, so I get to play in the backyard more often . My hooman puts me on a harness when I go out, so I get really excited whenever I see the harness. I like sun bathing, sniffing the air and looking for bugs when I am outside, but I get scared when I see birds flying over me.
Amy: What would you like to say to your fans from all over the world?
Maru: Hello, I am Maru. Thank you for loving me.
Maru is turning 3 years old on May 24th this year. Maru even has his own book published. His book is available in many countries.
Maru loves toys ©mugumogu
Maru hiding in a laundry hamper ©mugumogu
There is no box that is too small for Maru ©mugumogu
Maru is excited that he can fit his body in this tiny cupboard ©mugumogu
Maru napping on the couch ©mugumogu
Maru has a very round face doesn't he? ©mugumogu
Maru's obsession with boxes ©mugumogu
Where is Maru's head? ©mugumogu
"My head is here. I hid it." ©mugumogu
"Check out my belly!" ©mugumogu
"I can fit my body into any boxes!" ©mugumogu
Maru exercising his claws ©mugumogu
"This box looks real good. I like." ©mugumogu
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i love u Maru! everyday i'd checked ur blog to look for ur new pics.
Thank you Maru and mugumogu for the joy and peace you bring to this world ! Maru is an awsome cat !
I LOVE MARU! She's so cute that I can't resist her. Her round face and shiny eyes make me smile…And… her satisfied look when she's in a box is so lovely : ) I wish I could be a cat like her and play like her~
Oh I LOVE Maru So much!!!!
Maru, you can make me laugh from my belly every time. You’re such a special cat. I think a cat like you could be an incredible face for animal rights. Who couldn’t see how precious animals are when they see your antics.
Look how happy you make everyone!! We all love you!
And to Mugumogu; Your skills with photography and editing are brilliant. You capture Maru’s quirks perfectly and edit them into comic genious
Thanks for making the world a better place!
hey awesome video
Maru is so beautiful. I love his face.
I absolutely adore you Maru. You are an awesome cat.
Hi Maru my Kitty loves boxes as well, do you like looking under mats, my kitty does, I am sure he thinks there is something under there exciting for him to investigate.
I LOVE Maru. I travel often to Japan and I wish I could go meet Maru and give him a big huge hug and kiss that furry pudgy face!
how luck you are to get to travel often to Japan
. If i were there, I too would go visit Maru 
.
What a sweet heart!
Maru, You are too cute. Love you.
I love Maru, he looks so fun!
maru is very cute! i bet he is lots of fun!
owh so cute……….
i love maru
If I have a lousy day at work, watching Maru saves the day!
Regards from Finland!
my brother and i love maru… he is a wonderful animal friend… why would he fit himself inside a box…
so damn cute..
Maru, You are the funniest cat I know. Keep making your videos and sending out pics, because we love you.
I would love to squish Maru – those cheeks are something else!
Maru is so cute!!!
Maru is adorable………………exactly like my cat choochoo
I just love Maru so much! Thank you for sharing Mugumogu
Maru is ADORABLE. Thank you for sharing his story, pics and the interview is priceless.
I love this cat, he is so cute, I love him!!!! His face is adoorableee!!
Maru, you are quite a celebrity! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
I LOVE Me Some Maru!
My KittIE Bob has markings very similar to Maru – especially his face, but he's a Pixie Bob with extra toes and a stubby tail.
Such a sweet Cat!
This cat is a model – where is the red carpet?
What a cute, funny boy!
i love you Maru i just wish that i will get to meet you sometime i really wish that you lived someone near to where i live. I love your face and i love those paws they look just like white paws and that little spot you have on top of you nose. I can just snuggle you. Ohhhh and did i mention I luv you
I love Maru. What a wonderful cat.
the first time i saw MARU in Youtube, i fell inlove. Maru is a smart, cute, huggable cat. i wish to see this cat in person. when will you have your world tour?
Maru has such a personality. You can tell he loves the attention haha
Maru and mugumogu thank you both for making me smile with your funny videos! I didn't know Scottish Fold cats and now I'm entirely in love with them. Maru is so special!
what a wonderful cat…he doesnt realize that he stole everybody's heart with his silly face..love him much
Oh kitty you are so cute!!!!!
I LOVE YOU MARU!
OMG!!!!!! i love you!!!!!!
maru, if you are ever in texas…my cat "rollie pollie" invites you to come over and play with his boxes. he loves running down the hallway and jumping into boxes, rolls around in them, jumps out and then does it again. the two of you would have great fun together…we love you!
I love you MARUUUUU!!!!! i want to squeeze your cheeks somebody (me) in Texas loves you