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 
.
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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Sorry Human, This Spot is Taken
Maru you are the cutest cat i have ever seen. only if i could have you as my own pet. I have three cats. one a 16-pound cat her name is Zoey and she just sleeps under my bed all day. And two brothers that mainly kill each other. their names are Jacks and Jetson. only if you could meet them.
Does Maru like catnip? (Some cats don't have the gene to be attracted to catnip. Is Maru one of those cats?)
Maru you cute little-big cat ilove you
what a class cat.
I'm sooo in love with Maru! What a lip magnet!
“Lip magnet “-Love your term…going to remember that one. Thanks!
I LOVE MARU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOW CUTE IS THAT!?! Maru you are SO funny!!
Marrrrrrrrrrrrrrruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love ya!!!!!!!! :-* muawh
Mugumogu is the luckiest person on earth!!!!!
♥ Maru and all the Scottish folds
Hi, I'm a spanish cat… And what I can't believe is that you get scared when you see a bird. They are so funny to play!(My mum doesn't like it, but I can't resist). I also love boxes and bags, and I love go to my "palace" and put my claws on it. Oh, and I love watch nature documentaries with the family!
I'ts nice to know you're fine in Japan.
Meow, I mean… Bye!
Jazz, My 3 kitty-children luv your Spanish Kitty, Maru, Love Meow & all the precious, furry, bundles of luv past & present
Michigan, USA
I love Maru! I like to watch his videos on YouTube!
Maru , we are so worried about you since the horrid earthquake , we hope you and your family are safe with love Barbie and Layla Von Cookie Monster ♥
you should check out maru was ready to evacuate during the tokyo disasters. hope you have check out "japan earthquake animal rescue"'s facebook page and perhaps donate to help their effort.
love youuu ,,Maruuu…
you are extremely cute…wish I can play with youu…:)
i want this kitty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, God for Maru!!! And, his mom.:)
My female cat Sophie has the biggest crush on Maru. He's the Brad Pitt of all male kittys!
America loves you Maru.
fantastic pics love em xxxx
Are all Scottish Folds this cute or did Maru get in the cute line many times over?
so sweetly round
I will be to follow to see you for ever, Maru!
I love Maru. Need my Maru fix everyday!
Maru is wonderful! And so so cute
I just see maru yesterday (14/06/1) but I sudeenly fall in love! how culte?!
丸ちゃんが大好きだニャ～ン‼ (=´∀｀)人(´∀｀=)
Maru chan ga daisuki da nyaa—n!!
We meowly love Maru!! **cat high five**
Up until this week, my favorite actor was Kiefer Sutherland, but now I’ve fallen head over heels for someone new. Maru is one of the most beautiful and photogenic pussy cats I’ve
ever seen. A friend emailed an interesting video site to me the other day and that was when I saw him for the first time. It’s very obvious how much he is loved by his owner and how smart and special he is.
The world’s a very small place when it comes to cat lovers. We are everywhere. So from here in New York City my little calico Muffin
and I want to say thanks so much for sharing your beautiful boy with the rest of us!
Maru – you make my heart happy!!
Such a precious round boy!
Dear Maru,
You are the handsomest kitty in the world.
Love,
Mooshie
I’d love a Maru calendar. Is his Hooman planning one for 2012?
MARU…you are a GOD
He had that walk the day he was born. We love him!!
5 pounds at 4 months old? That’s nothing! My late cat Buddy was 8 pounds at 4 months old. He was HUGE. As an adult he weighed between 16 and 18 pounds, and the vet said he wasn’t overweigh, just big.
Maru, you are a big plush boy living the life that all cats deserve.
Judy, I must tell you that of my currant 3 wonderful rescues-one is a big boned grey tabby boy baby I named Dolly after he found me. (I thought he was a pregnant female ready to give birth at 21 & 1/2 pounds). That was 8-9 years ago-”she” never had the babies. For the past 3 years he has required twice daily insulin injections for diabetes. Happily he is maintaining a healthier weight of thirteen to fourteen pounds after plummeting to just 11 pounds at the beginning stages of his illness. He was almost at deaths door needing twice daily intravenous fluids. He’s had a few ups & downs, but remarkably, is happy & doing very well. Like Maru, he has never met a box he didn’t like, big or small. He especially loves belly rubs with a sock covered foot while exposing his big, soft belly (but not in the sink). He has the most handsome face second to none with huge, expressive “eyeliner” eyes. He is rather quiet, very dignified despite all his troubles & keeps a watchful eye on the “girls” antics. They are all special in their own way, aren’t they?!
Luv them all & Love Meow-Michigan USA
Maru, I love you. I love coming home from work to get to my computer to see all the cute antics you do!!!!
Maru, I Love you. You are sooooo beautiful. You do such adorable things. How do you stay so clean? You must be an indoor cat. Also, the apartment is absolutely spotless….
I love Maru and we share a birthday! Maru is a kindred spirit.
Maru can I have a hug? Please I’m dying for one!
Maru is a classic..
I love watching Maru on youtube. I would love to cuddle him!
Maru, you are the cutest, adorable kitty I have ever seen. Do not my three cats know I said that. You are beautiful!!!!!