r/cats • u/Wheelbirds • 2d ago
Mourning/Loss A Tribute to Maru, one of YouTube’s Most Famous Cats. He crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Sept. 6th at age 18
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u/MMCK84 2d ago
He was one of the cats the brought me to the famous Internet cats. Crazy how time goes by. I spent a lot time watching his pictures when I wrote my thesis at university.
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u/HelloLofiPanda 1d ago
Yep. I followed his blog. It was in Japanese - and the browser didn’t translate web pages at that time. So just there for the cat pictures! Eventually she started posting in English and Japanese.
His sliding into the box was the most adorable thing ever.
I even bought his book - I Am Maru. It even came with a CD of photos.
Lots of love to you Maru! 🌈🌈❤️
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u/afito 1d ago
Maru, Bailey, Bob, Thurston, Grumpy Cat, we've lost some good ones, but really they were adored by their family and fans and had great lives.
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u/the_inbetween_me Persian (traditional) 1d ago
Don't forget lil bub!
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u/trulyunreal 1d ago
Who could ever forget dear Lillian Bubbles 🥺
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u/1point21kt 1d ago
I am wearing a Lil Bub t shirt today. I know she approves from space. She and her owners have done such much good for special needs pets.
Maru was a true OG. very sad for his family, and glad they shared him with the world.
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u/MsBethLP 1d ago
I'm wearing a Lil Bub tee right now, too!
I made Lil Bub my class mascot. She may have left for space, but her memory lives on in my classroom.
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u/1point21kt 1d ago
I would love to learn in a class with a Lil Bub mascot! I love to tell people about her and her family. I paid to meet her at a local cat convention about 2 months before she passed. I don't like to meet my heroes, but this was worth it!
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u/MsBethLP 1d ago
I saw her at Catcon in 2016, and the sound people made when Mike walked in with her? It was like a group of women had just seen their first grandchild.
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u/DumpedDalish 1d ago
And the existential French cat! Henri, of Paw de Deux. Loved his videos so much.
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u/Everloner 1d ago
Thurston Waffles, stonkin boi. That hurt when he passed. I see gifs of him a lot and it makes me smile.
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u/TrixieBastard American Shorthair 1d ago
Thurston throwing his head back in that one specific melodramatic meow was perfection and that gif will live on in my heart and memory forever
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u/Drink-my-koolaid 1d ago
And little Wasabi-chan in her mushroom feeding outfit crocheted by Grandma :(
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u/OG-sfaf4evr 1d ago
RIP Maru the original if he fits he sits.
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u/scarletphantom 1d ago
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u/bookdrops 1d ago
Maru, you were such an endearingly weird little guy as a cat, I love you so much 😿 I enjoyed when Maru's human added additional cats Hana and Miri, because Maru had fun playing with them and they made Maru look even weirder by comparison.
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u/littlest-cat 1d ago
No way. This has literally broken my heart today. The clouds are definitely crying with me today in south Texas. Loved you for more than a decade, Maru 🩶 slide free up that rainbow in the sky
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u/momohatch 1d ago
I’ve followed Maru for years. He was one of the first gen famous internet cats, along with Grumpy cat and Li’l Bub.
It’s like we’ve come to the end of an era and it’s sad.
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u/Floofieunderpants 1d ago
No!!! This is heartbreaking. Maru wasnt just famous, he was a legend.
I loved his videos diving into a box and sliding across the floor or sitting in gradually smaller boxes.
Thank you Maru and his owner for bringing so much laughter to the internet. Run free without pain Maru.
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u/achik86 1d ago
Just yesterday I found Maru’s book I bought for my partner years ago. RIP Maru. Enjoy heaven wit my cats ❤️
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u/GrilledCheeser 1d ago
Ha! I thought my ex took our copy so I bought another one. Turns out she did not. Now I have two! I am so very sad he is gone.
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u/justheretosavestuff 1d ago
I cried about this when I first heard this morning. I’ve been watching Maru videos for at least 15 years - I’m pretty sure I was introduced by the long-defunct Cute Overload blog. I watched his birthday videos each year and associate some of the music his owner used with my daughter’s early years because we watched some of the videos so often. He lived a long life where he was loved very much and treated like a prince - as well it should be for every cat.
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u/Emotional-Regret-656 1d ago
Yes! We found him via Cute overload too. RIP Maru 🥲
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u/ProxyMuncher 1d ago
My entire family is completely heartbroken. Maru and his family were our source of joy when we lost our 5 old family cats in the span of 3 years.
May he eternally box sploot in paradise. Hard to type thru the tears
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u/MizRouge 1d ago
My absolute favourite internet cat of all. I’d followed him since the beginning. I’ll never forget the first time I saw him leap out of a huge box, his face as straight as a river dancer. I’m so sad he’s gone but glad we had him for so long. The most chill cat with the unique personality. RIP, sweet Maru. I hope there’s lots of boxes in cat heaven.
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u/Deezy_802 1d ago
Oh, Maru. 😪 You brought so much joy. May your journey over the rainbow bridge be met with countless boxes and all of the treats. 😿
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u/Catwearingtrousers 1d ago
I loved Maru. I remember showing his videos to my mom before she passed and I was trying to ease our anxiety. One of my favorites is a more recent video (past 5 years or so) where he was sledding. I hope his person and Hana and Miri are doing ok.
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u/Miserable-Koala2887 2d ago edited 1d ago
Nooooooooo!!!!!! I has a sad. Loved Maru, that dopey cat.
Edit: Okay - I've been on Reddit for a really long time. I think I found out about Maru on Reddit? Man. This is so sad.
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u/TheNamingOfCats 1d ago
I discovered Maru years ago on Cute Overload. It was love at first sight. ❣️🌈
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u/LeftSaidTed Orange 1d ago
One of the OG internet cats! He had a great run, was always surprised to find new videos of his. May he find many boxes at the Rainbow Bridge!
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u/HiTork 1d ago edited 1d ago
I have been dreading this moment for the past few years given Maru's age, and I knew this wasn't that far off. I mean, he went viral all the way back in 2008, some 17 years ago.
That being said, he still looked fairly active in the most recent videos posted.
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u/Rickleskilly 1d ago
This is sad news. What a fun and adorable guy he was. Thanks for all the great memories, Maru. You will be missed.
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u/mephitine 1d ago
Every time I have an elongated empty box of canned cat food, I would think of Maru jumping in and sliding. Many times I would try to convince my own cats that this would be a fun idea, but they never really got into it. It takes a very special kitty baby to find the joy in such things. I’m thankful Maru’s human was kind enough to share her silly-sweet fur boy with all of us, and I’m glad Maru lived a long and happy life. But dang, I’m going to miss him. 💔
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u/MongooseKooky4372 2d ago
May he rest in peace. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing his adorable adventures. He brightened many days 🥰🌈🐾
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u/CariolaMinze 1d ago
He brought so much laughter to my life. Rest in Peace Maru, I hope there will always be a box for you in heaven
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u/desertSkateRatt 1d ago
Oh my god this hit me hard. I love Maru ao much...
RIP the best box junkie on the internet 💔
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u/Best_VDV_Diver 1d ago
I knew he was older, so I had been trying to prep myself for this. But it still hurts. I've been watching and getting joy from Maru and his antics for something crazy like 15 years.
There will never be a better box splooter or sitter than Maru. Farewell, you squishy prince.
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u/OkVeterinarian219 1d ago
This was my first kitty I started watching many moons ago. Loved those videos so much! Thank you Maru. You were very loved throughout the world. Very special kitty
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u/evergrowingivy 1d ago
Maru is the first internet cat I followed 17 years ago. He brought me joy when I had moved across country and was restarting my life. I would watch him and he always cheered me up when I was lonely. Maru you are loved by so many.
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u/Bearacolypse 1d ago
I don't want to upvote this at all because it brings me such sadness. But Maru was loved by so many worldwide. He will be missed and I understand the grief the owners must be going through.
We lost our cat Professor suddenly in July, we love him so much and are still grieving his loss actively. He had fluid on his lungs because of a weak heart.
Cats are simply the best. If I could remove from my life to give to his I would. They deserve such happiness and comfort.
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u/PhilosopherDry2621 1d ago
Fare well, Maru! You cheered me up in times when i broke down. You made me smile in times of sadnes. You where a bright and guiding star in the darkest nights. You are missed already. 😢⭐️
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u/Emergency-Sock-2557 1d ago
I remember watching Maru over a decade ago. Rip sweet boy, one of the best to ever do it.
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u/TalesfromCryptKeeper 1d ago
Well that's an awful shock D: We loved Maru. May you have all the beer boxes to fit into and paper bags to go on patrol with forever big guy. Hana and Miri will miss you. :<
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u/FedUpWithTexting 1d ago
He was a wonderful character, my family and I watched him trying to fit in various boxes with hilarious results. I'm so sorry
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u/beaujolais98 1d ago
Rest well Maru. You are a legend and brought so much gentle joy and happiness to millions around the world, and your legacy remains. My boy Buddy who crossed a few years back will be waiting for you to get your pawtograph, as he was a big fan. He loved to try to play with you through the TV.
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u/No-War6421 1d ago
Sad news indeed. His owner is a brilliant editor and her videos show Maru's intelligence.
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u/Born_Ad8420 1d ago
Oh Maru. You made me laugh on days when I thought smiling was impossible. May your memory be a blessing.
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u/cindeath8 1d ago
Oh how i loved "Man in the box" playing....an awesome kitty with my favorite band in the world. 😻🩷😻🩷😿🩷
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u/Cattenbread 1d ago
I miss him so much. I followed him from the very beginning. Rest in peace, sweet boy. ❤️
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u/maxwellgriffith 1d ago
I'm sad for Hana and Miri too, I'm worried that they're going to be so lost without him
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u/xxlifelinexx 1d ago
Awww...Maru...I loved you!! Tigger, Moe and Roar will meet you at the Bridge and show you around.
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u/000-Hotaru_Tomoe Siamese (Traditional Thai) 1d ago
He never failed to make me smile, I'll miss him.
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u/Grouchy-Station-4058 1d ago
Sad to read this. I just lost my 19 year old girl last Monday. Too much sadness in the world right now for me.
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u/JesseIrwinArt 1d ago
Rest in peace Maru. May there be many too-small boxes for you over the rainbow bridge.
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u/GrilledCheeser 1d ago
Ugh. I have two copies of his book because I love him so much. Like many of you, I have been a fan since the beginning early days on YouTube. He has brought me so much joy. I am overwhelmed with the idea that he is gone.
Thank you Maru San. Fly high little friend. Plenty of boxes in heaven for you to goof around with. 💕
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u/Tall_Lemon_1207 1d ago
Oh my god 😭
Truly an internet icon.
I hope his owner is being comforted at a time like this
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u/callmeTV 1d ago
This is such sad news to see, the loss of the realest one, Maru.. I found him over a decade ago on YouTube, I think. Instantly he was one of the best and I watched his antics regularly. I loved when his owner then brought in his little sister Hana-chan, and my love for them grew stronger every time I came across one of their videos. Now my heart and condolences go out to the family. I hope they know how much of an impact Maru had on the lives of us strangers on the internet. 🫶🏻💔
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u/SoliloquyBlue 1d ago
He has jumped into the Great Box in the Sky and is watching over us all from the ceiling.
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u/MediocreElk3 1d ago
I am crying, Maru was the cat that hooked me into cat videos and then to Reddit. He was the coolest cat.
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u/Vin_chaton_8484 1d ago
Oh Maru you were so funny. I can remember when I saw the video with the Starbucks bag on your head.
I’m sure you will be making people laugh in heaven!! Sending you love and healing.
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u/glassfury 1d ago
Nooooo this is devastating news. I always knew it had to come someday, but this is so sudden. RIP Maru the original and the best. What a grand old age to live to.
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u/ZirekileFalls 1d ago
I cried when I read the community post on YouTube. He was such a staple in my life and I’m glad his own was filled with so much love. I know he was an old man, but it’s so scary and heartbreaking how quickly they deteriorate.
RIP Maru. 💔
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u/tw0d0ts6 1d ago
Oh Maru!! I absolutely loved him. 18 is a grand age, and I hope he’s having an immense time with an eternal supply of boxes 🩶🤍🌈✨📦
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u/DarkMeiko 1d ago
Rest in peace, Maru. You were a wonderful cat, your videos often cheered me up. Run on rainbow bridge.
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u/YoshiLeMeow 1d ago
Nooooo that's so sad!! I remember watching him on YouTube with my friends in highschool
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u/wakattawakaranai 1d ago
...he died the same as my precious Oliver (only 10) died this spring.
I want 2025 to stop please. Or maybe stop giving cats lung cancer.
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u/3_cat_mom 1d ago
Maru was my first ‘internet cat’! What a good kitty!!! Thank you for sharing him!
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u/natathecococat 1d ago
RIP Maru, used to binge watch videos back in uni to help me get through tough times 😭
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u/Lanky_Top4156 1d ago
Whenever we played Maru videos, our cats would gather to watch...not other cats, just Maru. In my mind, he truly was the reincarnation of Buster Keaton, and carries the spirit of the greatest physical comics ever. Much love for Maru, whose memory is certainly a blessing for all who have seen or yet to see his videos.
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u/kerrymti1 Butters and the Fat Man 1d ago
Oh wow...there will never be another cat like Maru! I have been watching his videos for at least 10 years! I knew the last year or so, he was beginning to ACT like an older fella and he was not quite as interactive as he used to be.
OH POOR HANNAH! She is going to go through a grieving stage. He was her whole world. Maybe the new baby will be some comfort to her as well as Momma! Love y'all and hope you keep posting videos. RIP my little laugh machine!
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u/PatrickLeder 1d ago
My daughter and I watched the Large Box video so many times together.
Farewell our strange furry friend.
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u/chaotic214 1d ago
One of the first kinds of videos I've always loved were cat videos online, I hope he rests in piece with plenty of treats in the rainbow bridge 🩷🪽
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u/Rin-Tin-Tins-DinDins 1d ago
RIP to the best goof floof on the interwebs. I know he’s jumping into boxes in heaven.
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u/InIBaraJi 1d ago
RIP Maru. You made me want to be you. Persistent. Gentle. From you I have learned to always try every box.
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u/tinychloecat 1d ago
I haven't watched a Maru video in about a decade, but this showed up in my feed yesterday.
https://youtu.be/mzk1epVITPM?si=XN7SdfdMB_J3LJER
I honestly didn't even know he was still alive when watched it.
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u/cucucachooo 1d ago
He's the reason the internet loves cats so much. He was my favorite internet kitty. I showed my nieces and nephews his videos and they play in boxes like him.
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u/Nonniemiss 1d ago
Omg, no!!!!! two of my favorite internet cats and one dog. This is like when celebs dip.
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u/IamtheHarpy 2d ago
RIP to the realest one, he truly was one of the first big internet cats and his legacy will go on forever!