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)
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.
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.
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.