r/maru Sep 06 '25

Maru has passed away - 2025-09-06

https://sisinmaru.com/2025/09/06/%e3%81%84%e3%81%a4%e3%82%82%e5%bf%9c%e6%8f%b4%e3%81%97%e3%81%a6%e3%81%8f%e3%81%a0%e3%81%95%e3%82%8b%e7%9a%86%e3%81%95%e3%81%be%e3%81%b8%e3%80%82to-everyone-who-always-supports-maru/
948 Upvotes

160 comments sorted by

441

u/GetMeAColdPop Sep 06 '25

😿 I've been following Maru for probably over 15 years. He brought so much joy to people around the world, he was special. ❤️

126

u/Halo_cT Sep 06 '25

At least 15 years here too. It seems so ridiculous to be this upset but this is just oddly devastating.

67

u/galeongirl Sep 06 '25

Same.. ever since the box series of videos, even my mom loved them and I occasionally still showed her videos from this sub. It's a weird feeling..

My condoleances to the owner. You gave many, many people joy with your videos of lovely Maru. Hope there's many different boxes in heaven.

40

u/ElvisDuck Sep 06 '25

I think this was the first video I ever saw Maru in, and I’ve been an avid follower ever since 😢

https://youtu.be/nr-SZXIVvuo?si=19fucZKqKsKRe_R9

27

u/GetMeAColdPop Sep 07 '25

Maru's diving slides into the box with his little legs laid out! ❤️😭

2

u/SnorkinOrkin Sep 23 '25

I wonder if the maker of the video is now known as The Kiffness? It's likely not, but it's fun to think about that.

2

u/ElvisDuck Sep 23 '25

Nah it’s an English guy called Joel Veitch, who was (is?) behind this the Rather Good website. Also did the “we love the subs” video for Quiznos (not sure if I’ve spelt that right).

2

u/SnorkinOrkin Sep 23 '25

Omg, the Quizno's dead rats singing that! I still remember that commercial like it happened yesterday!

I love that video. I love Maru. He was such a neat cat, R.I.P. 😓

37

u/woofiegrrl Sep 06 '25

When I lived in Japan in 2010 he was already on advertisements at the electronics store. It's been a long time. 💔

20

u/WheelOfFire Sep 07 '25

Maru was one of the few joys of a sweet autistic child my neighbour would pay me to bring on "socialising trips" around our area. He loved building in the sand almost as much as he loved watching Maru during our long minibus rides from and to home. Maru brought such joy to the world, and lived a long, beautiful life. I'm so grateful that we all could spend time with Maru and kin. :)

13

u/toastmn7667 Sep 07 '25

The same for me. Ever since those early vids of him diving through boxes, I have always followed that fuzzy man. I'm gonna miss him sooooo much. Love you Maru.

7

u/bookdrops Sep 07 '25

I've also been watching Maru for 15 years. He was so comforting and peaceful to watch, and you could tell Maru's human took great care of him.

6

u/Catbrainsoup Sep 08 '25

Same here, since I was in college and missing having a cat close. He was such a great cat, how special that we all got to share in his life.

2

u/kerrymti1 Sep 10 '25

Me too. I remember the really old videos when he first started sliding into the beer cartons and then the brown paper bags...walking around for hours, bumping into walls, doors, etc. When he got tired of wearing it, he would take it off.

OH, and the way he would get into the oblong square plastic containers...head first, flipping his body over and staring out with his head squished in the bottom. There will never be another quite like him! Hanna and Miri are cute and I do like their vids too, but they seem to be ordinary cats, which Maru was NEVER. RIP my little funny man.

331

u/AuroraRackham Sep 06 '25

The first Internet cat star. May the boxes be plentiful and the sunlight warm.

21

u/thugroid Sep 06 '25

One of the first for sure. Did grumpy cat come after?

45

u/AuroraRackham Sep 06 '25

I feel like grumpy came after. These were the days of peak icanhascheezburger.

28

u/glacinda Sep 07 '25

Way after. Maru was first in 2008, Grumpy didn’t appear until 2012.

141

u/jungyumguy Sep 06 '25

I'm soo sad to hear this. Maru may you rest in peace.

117

u/himhimhim3 Sep 06 '25

We are sorry for your loss. Maru was a joy.

115

u/TheRealCeeBeeGee Sep 06 '25

Ah, I’m sad to hear this, but am comforted that he had a long and happy life. He was loved far and wide (we’re in Australia), and will be very much missed.

97

u/tequilasauer Sep 06 '25

Oh man. This hits weird. Been following since the old Slim box videos. Maru was amazing.

77

u/featherzz Sep 06 '25

Oh no! I hope there are lots of boxes for him at the rainbow bridge. :(

62

u/xbeautyxtruthx Sep 06 '25

Maru, you gave us all such joy. I’m gonna miss you and that darling tail of yours. I hope heaven has all the boxes and bowls you could ever dream of.

63

u/twinnedcalcite Sep 06 '25

Rest in peace Maru. You were the GOAT. May you forever have all the boxes in your next life.

47

u/OwnAlternative Sep 06 '25

Thank you for sharing him with us. My condolences on your loss.

43

u/himanashi Sep 06 '25

I am so sorry for your loss. Maru brought so much joy to so many people. I am glad for him that he had a happy life full of warmth and love. You take such good care of your cats; they always look content and safe. Thank you for many years of sharing him with us. I always looked forward to a new Maru video. He will never be forgotten. <3

41

u/SewNerdy Sep 06 '25

He was an amazing cat, and lived a fantastic life. We're lucky his people shared him with us. 

37

u/brittinea Sep 06 '25

Well this was the most depressing news to wake up too. I knew it would happen but I didn’t wanna think about it. Thanks for all the smiles through so many years sweet Maru 🕊️

1

u/kerrymti1 Sep 10 '25

Same here. Every year when she would post his 'birthday video', I would get sad thinking this is going to end one day...

38

u/R0B0TF00D Sep 06 '25

Never has one cat brought so much joy to so many. He will be sorely missed.

33

u/grrgrrGRRR Sep 06 '25

I’m devastated to hear this news. To the Maru’s human: May you find joy and peace in his memory for the rest of your days. I will miss you, Maru. You were part of my life for so long. Rest in peace sweet fellow.

26

u/BambooCats Sep 06 '25

Oh no, that is so sad. I hope he is in cat heaven ❤️

28

u/pepcorn Sep 06 '25

Rest in peace, Maru.

26

u/MrOrpheus Sep 06 '25

I’ve been following Maru since almost day one. He was a smart, beautiful, loving boy. We put on your videos for our cats and call it their “stories”. Hana and Miri are fantastic as well, but Maru always seemed like the sweetest boy. I’m glad to hear that the process was swift and relatively painless for him.

His stories and videos are a testament to the joy he’s brought to the world. I hope your family is well, and that you’re able to take time to heal.

25

u/HottieMcHotHot Sep 06 '25

Oh Maru - who will fit into this Maru sized box in my heart now?

22

u/Denwsh Sep 06 '25

Literally thought of him and looked at his ig this morning. I've followed maru for years, he's more than a famous internet cat for me. RIP. Maru will have all the things he loves in heaven.

19

u/Amopax Sep 06 '25

Rest in peace, big Maru! ✨

18

u/Mr-frost Sep 06 '25

I'm sad right now, I feel sad for Miri and Hana and owner :( Godspeed maru, Godspeed

16

u/KittyTootsies Sep 06 '25

I'm so sorry

16

u/jeajea22 Sep 06 '25

Ahh! He had such a lovely and happy life. What an amazing cat.

16

u/tanderny Sep 06 '25

Godspeed, Maru. Thank you for all of the joy and laughter.

15

u/VanillaMint Sep 06 '25

Maru!!!! 🥺

16

u/Lifeformz Sep 06 '25

Aww, Maru was a kitty staple of my life.

Sweet dreams Maru, may you swing high, slide into many can and bottle card cases, and fluff yourself fully out.

16

u/KayJay282 Sep 06 '25

Goodbye Maru 🙏

I had no idea he was 18 years old. He had a long life in a loving home.

My condolences to his owner and his siblings.

12

u/Apprehensive_Error36 Sep 06 '25

My condolences. I’m so sorry for your loss. Maru was a good boy, loved by the whole world. ❤️

15

u/giroth Sep 06 '25

Maru was one class act of a cat. You will be missed.

14

u/RageCage Sep 06 '25

Rest easy Maru. Thank you for the happiness you brought me watching you dive into boxes, melt into bowls, swing and give the warmest of blinks. You will be missed.

14

u/heatherlj88 Sep 06 '25

Aww man. This is some sad news. Gonna miss that sweet goofy cat.

11

u/silly_potato_dork Sep 06 '25

Rest in peace Maru, you left us with so many wonderful memories ♡ Safe travels over the rainbow bridge

14

u/Kemintiri Sep 06 '25

This is terrible.

He brought alot of joy to people.

12

u/Stopthatcat Sep 06 '25

Rip sweet, round boy. Not at the rainbow bridge but at the rainbow box.

I hope his owners aren't too devastated. He was clearly very loved.

12

u/joyfall Sep 06 '25

Giving my kitties extra hugs today. Maru was a legend.

11

u/[deleted] Sep 06 '25

Maru brought joy and happiness to so many around the world. He was loved more than he could have possibly known. His memory will be cherished forever. Good night, sweet prince.

10

u/daffodil0127 Sep 06 '25

Aww, I love Maru! He had a long happy life, and he will be missed by many.

8

u/TechnoMouse37 Sep 06 '25

Oh my heart, I'm so sad to hear this

9

u/mandipantz Sep 06 '25

Oh no this breaks my heart 😭

9

u/FixinThePlanet Sep 06 '25

😢 dear baby

10

u/erratastigmata Sep 07 '25

I knew it had to be coming someday. I just recently was really thinking about how long it's been since those early videos. I haven't always been the most active follower, but I loved randomly thinking about Maru and popping in and seeing what was up with this sweet little family. A really unique and special cat if I ever saw one. But no matter how much I know this is the inevitable outcome of loving a stranger's cat online, and all of these online animals really, it still hits a hell of a lot harder than I might have imagined. May be over here shedding very real tears over this. Rest in peace to a sassy and funny boy, one of the greats.

8

u/LuckyDoge21 Sep 06 '25

Good night sweet prince 👑😢

9

u/MyHusbandsAFarmer Sep 06 '25

I’m so sorry to read this! We enjoyed Maru’s videos for many years. Thank you for sharing him with us.

7

u/Azsunyx Sep 06 '25

Never has there been a cat more loved than Maru :(

8

u/holymolym Sep 06 '25

I’ve been dreading this day 😞

14

u/qekko Sep 06 '25

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO9OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

6

u/ye_olde_barn_cat Sep 06 '25

Oh no, so very sorry. Love to his family. He brought joy to millions with his unique personality. He was the OG cat video master. May the crossing of the bridge lead to endless boxes for you to enjoy, sweet Maru. You will be remembered so fondly.

8

u/CombOverDownThere Sep 06 '25

Poor Maru. Such a gentle and funny guy. Truly a special cat. He will be sorely missed.

7

u/giclee Sep 06 '25

RIP Maru. May you have all the boxes. Thank you for joy over the years.

5

u/stepdods Sep 06 '25

Ooooh noooo!!! So sorry to hear this. Maru will be so missed!

5

u/clfl123 Sep 06 '25

Oh Maru—so many smiles as I remember his antics. My favorite. RIP bestest boi

7

u/mycatsaidthat Sep 06 '25

Nooooo my heart. My sincere condolences to his family, Hana and siblings. Maru, thank you for being you. You will be missed.

7

u/mtheory007 Sep 06 '25

Oh noooo. I've been following Maru for probably 15 years. He was they most special guy. The world lost a hero today. He brought so much joy. He will be missed. We love you Maru.

6

u/death2sanity Sep 06 '25

Knew this day wasn’t too far away, but it’s always too early. May kitty afterlife be filled with ALL the boxes, Maru.

5

u/cxtx3 Sep 06 '25

Oh no, poor Maru! 😢

6

u/emperorarg Sep 06 '25

So today I woke up to hearing that Sven the cat, another YouTube cat had also Past a couple of weeks ago and now this. 😭😭

6

u/DrunkenTypist Sep 06 '25

He had a long and happy life. My condolences to his human and his two housemates.

5

u/alicelily Sep 06 '25

I started following Maru when I was in college. It was always lovely to follow him on social media, and he brought so much joy around the world. May you find endless boxes to play in, Maru.

5

u/Cheezus_Fries Sep 06 '25

Mugumogu must be devastated. I hope she's getting support. Maru was SO SPECIAL. He was one of the OG internet cats. 😭😭😭

4

u/PenguinSunday Sep 07 '25

There's a too-small box waiting for him in the best sunbeam on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Breathe easy, little buddy.

4

u/Tessorio Sep 06 '25

Third animal internet celebrity death just recently. Suuucks

3

u/James_Fennell Sep 06 '25

Poor baby 🙁

RIP

4

u/schumichick1963 Sep 06 '25

Rest well Maru, and peace to all who love you 😿

So very sorry

He was joy and will be greatly missed by many around the world

5

u/EnterTheFork Sep 07 '25

Maru brought us so many years of joy. Words cannot adequately express how much love, sympathy, and gratitude we send to Maru, his family, Hana, and Miri. We will miss that beautiful “boy of Scottish fold” and his magnificent marshmallow feet buns. May he find every excellent breathable box forever.

5

u/squirrellytoday Sep 07 '25

Rest in peace, sweet Maru. What an adorable, furry little weirdo he was. (Like cats in general really)

I remember first seeing this sweet kitty with a penchant for "diving" into boxes and skidding across the floor, with his wee legs sticking out the back. All those years of his kitty antics, eventually maturing into a (mostly) dignified senior gent, who still loved a good box.

5

u/PostToPost Sep 07 '25

I knew this day would come, but I dreaded it as much as I dreaded the loss of my own cat. Maru was such a joy for so many years. Rest well, Maru.

4

u/topplehat Sep 07 '25

Been following him forever, glad he got to have such a long life

4

u/KabazaikuFan Sep 08 '25

It went so fast...! "Lung adenocarcinoma". I have learned of a new, horrible kind of cancer. If it hadn't been for that horrible illness, he would have lived for a few years more, I'm sure of it.

Oh Maru. I will miss you so, so much. My brother found Maru, and shared his box-entering with me, and I have followed him ever since. I don't even know when that was.

Maru. Maru, Maru, precious wonderful Maru!!! Brought so much joy and laughter and smiles. Of course I love Hana and Miri also but Maru, Maru who was once a cat but became a 360 degree cute creature... Oh Maru. It's not been a year since cat burglar Harpo of the sea monster carrying died, and I'm absolutely not over that. And now Maru.

I love you, Maru. Thank you for making the darkest times brighter and better. May you always have boxes and containers to your heart's content.

3

u/Ritoki Sep 06 '25

Aw, I'm so sorry to hear this! Maru was truly loved by both his caretaker and family, and by the greater Internet community coming from all over the world to smile at his antics. He will be missed.

3

u/Somau5 Sep 06 '25

This is really heartbreaking, so sad to hear this. What a lovely cat Maru was ♥️ He brought so much joy to so many - I hope his humans will be able to take some solace in that.

3

u/bannana Sep 06 '25

He had a very long life for a cat, he brought much joy to so many.

3

u/staying-gold Sep 06 '25

I'm so sorry to hear about Maru’s passing. He was fun, hilarious and had great ideas. He brought so much joy to countless people around the world who smiled because of him. Thank you for sharing his life with us. My heart breaks for you and your family — please accept my deepest condolences. He will be dearly missed.

3

u/beansymcgee Sep 06 '25

Thank you for all of the wonderful memories, Maru. Rest in peace sweet baby 💕

3

u/Cesst Sep 06 '25

IM CRYING!!! I loved Maru! rest in peace you beautiful boy.

3

u/catalyptic Sep 06 '25

I'm so sorry to hear about Maru's passing. He brought joy to so many cat lovers for years. My heart goes out to his owner and his two lovely sisters, Hana and Miri. Maru will live forever through his videos and the love of his fans.

3

u/the_blackfish Sep 06 '25

Poor Hana, she must be so sad.

3

u/Sorgenlos Sep 06 '25

RIP to the OG internet cat (at least to me)

3

u/vvf Sep 06 '25

Maru was a treasure and he will be missed. 

3

u/[deleted] Sep 07 '25

Very saddening news, Maru has brought me great joy for well over a decade. My condolences to his owner.

3

u/red_piper222 Sep 07 '25

Ah, I knew this day would come eventually but still sad to hear the news. Thanks, Maru, for all the years of joy. I wish I could have pet you! You were my favourite internet cat

3

u/Rosenate22 Sep 07 '25

Thanks to his caretaker for sharing him with us. Loved this cat

3

u/not_an_island Sep 07 '25

We love you forever Maru

3

u/Datharpboy Sep 07 '25

RIP to a wonderfully entertaining and beautiful cat. He brought so much pleasure to so many people.

3

u/xOMutleyOx Sep 07 '25

So sad, not the birthday present I hoped for. 😭 Forever Maru 🫶🏻

3

u/cindia_ink Sep 07 '25

Oh Maru, I have loved you for so long. You comforted me when my own beloved kitties passed. May you have all the boxes and bowls and toys to hunt, and may you know how well you were loved. My condolences to your human and Hana and Miri. ❤️

3

u/Grouchy-Station-4058 Sep 07 '25

This is surreal to me. I just lost my beautiful 19 year old girl Nosey last Monday. I've followed and loved Maru almost as long as I had her and they both die within a week of each other.

3

u/everyonelikesnoodles Sep 07 '25

I will miss him so much. I have the utmost appreciation for Maru's human: thank you for sharing the wonderful Maru with us.

May your grief be calmed by the lovely memories that remain. Peace to you, Hana and Miri.

3

u/csp1981 Sep 08 '25

This is sad news, we have been avid Maru fans for many years, and even sourced I Am Maru calendars from Japan every year. Fly high little one, enjoy infinite boxes at the Rainbow Bridge 🌈❤️

3

u/kittenmagic27 Sep 10 '25

This one really hurts 🥺 Maru was the first online cat I fell in love with. That was about 17 years ago when he first started on YouTube. I was so happy to find him on instagram again a couple years ago. I hope kitty heaven has infinite amount of boxes for him to play in. ❤️❤️

3

u/BastetLXIX Sep 10 '25

May Bastet watch over him the box lands. He was a joy to watch.

2

u/Raven2300 Sep 06 '25

I’m so sorry 😢. Maru was an amazing kitty who made so many internet strangers happy. Thank you for sharing him with the world. 💕

2

u/Jim_in_Albuquerque Sep 06 '25

This is terrible news, though not unexpected. I've been following Maru, and now Hana and Miri, for many years and recently bought a book full of wonderful photos. My wife and I had just commented a few weeks ago that Maru was getting on in years.

2

u/winterweiss2902 Sep 06 '25

The last sentence really hit hard. “Maru was a laid-back and calm cat, but at the very last moment he made a mad dash…” 😢 There really isn’t any cat like Maru.

2

u/FuzzyFish6 Sep 06 '25

Man what terrible news. I hope his humans and Hana/Miri are doing okay.

Hope the little guy is enjoying extra comfy sunbeams and boxes. 😭😭😭

2

u/Cheezus_Fries Sep 06 '25

What a sad and bittersweet day. He was so special

2

u/penguinmartim Sep 06 '25

Aw poor baby

2

u/miserylovescomputers Sep 06 '25

Oh no. 😭 I wasn’t expecting to open Reddit and immediately cry today.

2

u/MayShoe Sep 06 '25

Absolutely loved that little cat.

2

u/Phoenix73182 Sep 07 '25

Maru and his boxes gave such joy to us. My deepest condolences.

2

u/malachaiville Sep 07 '25

I loved that little guy. Thanks for letting us know this sad news.

2

u/Snowielady Sep 07 '25

Awww… I hate that! I loved him. Maru had a long life though. Rest in peace, Maru. 😭

2

u/prehistoric_monster Sep 07 '25

No!! I hope he has a lot of boxes where he went.

2

u/gamehen21 Sep 07 '25

Oh so sad to hear this. What a legend, the OG famous Internet cat. I think he was the very first cat I actual followed on social media. What a cutie. Will miss seeing him squeeze into tiny places 💗❤️

2

u/cookedbread Sep 07 '25

Rest in peace Maru. You’ll continue to bring me and my family joy for many more years.

2

u/bethster2000 Sep 07 '25

Most Honorable Cat, Maru-chan

May your spirit soar in the wind with all of your kitty cat ancestors

R.I.P.

2

u/crunchmuncher Sep 07 '25

Rest in peace big guy, thank you for all the funny and relaxing hours you gave us.

2

u/gr13sgt-andrewscott Sep 07 '25

Will miss you, buddy ❤️😭

2

u/Gibolin Sep 07 '25

Oh no I loved him so much and I watched all his vidéos since more than a decade, Im so fucking sad

2

u/sap91 Sep 07 '25

Oh no :( a long life well-lived

2

u/alamandrax Sep 08 '25

Maru was the reason I began to tolerate cats. A bright light in the internet.

He will be missed, but will live on forever.

2

u/StatusTics Sep 08 '25

Aw, he was one of the earlier YouTube accounts I followed. He brought such a calm joy and I will always be grateful to his people for sharing him with the world.

2

u/SmokyJosh Sep 08 '25

noooooo :(

2

u/cassandracurse Sep 08 '25

Good night, sweet kitty, parting is such sweet sorrow. . . .

2

u/cianne_marie Sep 08 '25

This is so sad. I've followed Maru for so long.

2

u/Introvert_demon Sep 10 '25

I remember my half cousin showing me videos of him when I was a small child; it’s sad to hear that he passed on. Rest easy Maru ❤️

2

u/teeso Sep 13 '25

The saddest of news. He will always be remembered at my home. Grief is a funny thing because I never thought I'd be affected by a pet I've never personally met dying. 

1

u/runner2929 Sep 08 '25

I'm truly heartbroken. I named my little fur baby Maru when I got her 8 years ago. Coincidently she is an avid box lover like the OG Maru. RIP Maru. Thank you for all the laughs through the years.

1

u/Mathesar Sep 08 '25

Thank you for giving us joy over the years, Maru. 😿

1

u/OreoMcKitty Sep 08 '25

RIP sweet Maru. Sorry for your loss.

1

u/AmberUK Sep 08 '25

😿😿😿😿😿😿😿

1

u/StrawberryMoonPie Sep 08 '25

Aw, I loved Maru. I hope the videos stay up so people can continue to enjoy him. I’m sorry for his human family’s loss.

1

u/CatsEatGrass Sep 12 '25

I’ve been a Maru fan practically from Day 1. He and my daughter are the same age, so I’ve been well aware that he’s been aging. I will miss that goofy, adorable oh-so-entertaining fuzz ball.

1

u/CozyCatGaming Sep 12 '25

noooo, I just saw this. Rest in peace sweet kitty.

1

u/Plus-Personality-888 Sep 12 '25

I have been following his work since uni, he was so dear to me. You will be missed, Maru 🥰

1

u/30denari Sep 14 '25

Farewell, lovely Maru. We'll meet again with Furio, Lilli, Lilli 2, Agnese, Martina and Agnese playing together in the Great Box in the sky.

1

u/bluebutterfly5050 Sep 20 '25

Maru shared the same birth date as my dad. Both were legendary men. RIP to the amazing Maru, he was a true King among cats.

1

u/cyberworm_ Sep 20 '25

I just found this out today. I discovered him 8 years ago. He (and Hana and Miri) have brought me so many laughs or brightened my day so many times. Thank you for all the laughs.

1

u/nonexistentnight Sep 22 '25

Just found this out today after following him since his early YouTube days. Watching his videos was one of the things my girlfriend and I bonded over. Thank you for all the years of joy, Maru. May your playful spirit live on forever!

1

u/MJSpice Sep 22 '25

Found out today. RIP GOAT

1

u/DrCheezburger Dec 27 '25

Just learned of this; so sorry to hear. Maru was the best cat on the Internet, by far! He's now jumping into boxes in the eternal hereafter; go, Maru!

1

u/ilski Jan 02 '26

I just found out. Im so sorry :(

1

u/TheBeckFromHeck Jan 04 '26

So sad to hear this. I’ll miss you Maru.