I Am Maru 10
May 28, 2017 7:58 PM Subscribe
Please join me in wishing a happy 10th birthday to box enthusiast and internet sensation, Maru the Scottish Fold cat. (Maru, previously: 1, 2) [SLYT]
!
posted by AFABulous at 8:18 PM on May 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by AFABulous at 8:18 PM on May 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARU!
posted by Artw at 8:25 PM on May 28, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by Artw at 8:25 PM on May 28, 2017 [4 favorites]
May you live forever, Maru. I don't even want to think of a world without you in it.
posted by longdaysjourney at 8:36 PM on May 28, 2017 [23 favorites]
posted by longdaysjourney at 8:36 PM on May 28, 2017 [23 favorites]
NO. Overcompensating, since that the age of LOLCATS has come to an end - Rare Puppers and Party Parrots are now pets of ultimate cuteness, nevermind the Hampster and Prairie Dog commandos.... and when all else fails, sneks seeking boops on the snoots. You may NOT has a cheezbrger!
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:42 PM on May 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:42 PM on May 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
I haven't seen a Maru video in a couple of years. I'd forgotten how delightful I find him.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:49 PM on May 28, 2017 [7 favorites]
posted by jacquilynne at 8:49 PM on May 28, 2017 [7 favorites]
I love Maru. I would love to see if my cat creature could figure out a swing, but I suspect it would end badly.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:58 PM on May 28, 2017
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:58 PM on May 28, 2017
I AM ALSO MARU 10. EVERYONE WHO READS THIS IS MARU 10. FIND A BOX TO EXIST IN.
posted by hippybear at 9:00 PM on May 28, 2017 [17 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 9:00 PM on May 28, 2017 [17 favorites]
Some cats are clever. Some cats are curious. And some cats are good-natured. It seems exceedingly rare to find all three in a cat at once. Cats remind me of the old saw about speedy service, good service, or cheap, and you get to pick two.
By some cosmic karmic coincidence, Maru was allowed the deluxe upgrade package, and has all three options.
posted by los pantalones del muerte at 9:02 PM on May 28, 2017 [50 favorites]
By some cosmic karmic coincidence, Maru was allowed the deluxe upgrade package, and has all three options.
posted by los pantalones del muerte at 9:02 PM on May 28, 2017 [50 favorites]
🎂
posted by fitnr at 9:04 PM on May 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by fitnr at 9:04 PM on May 28, 2017 [2 favorites]
Sometimes I've wondered about Maru's owners/housemates. Are they and what they do the reasons Maru is such a great cat? I want to believe it.
posted by datawrangler at 9:06 PM on May 28, 2017 [8 favorites]
posted by datawrangler at 9:06 PM on May 28, 2017 [8 favorites]
Man, that is the twitchinest tail ever.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:15 PM on May 28, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:15 PM on May 28, 2017 [3 favorites]
Awwww, I love Maru. Happy birthday!
posted by lazuli at 9:20 PM on May 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by lazuli at 9:20 PM on May 28, 2017 [1 favorite]
Maru is the BEST.
posted by Peach at 9:25 PM on May 28, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Peach at 9:25 PM on May 28, 2017 [3 favorites]
And lets not forget Hana, who's really grown into her own too, even if it isn't her birthday. The bit near the end where they were trading off box duty was something special.
posted by radwolf76 at 9:33 PM on May 28, 2017 [8 favorites]
posted by radwolf76 at 9:33 PM on May 28, 2017 [8 favorites]
The bit near the end where they were trading off box duty was something special.
I thought that was going to be the highlight, but then Maru fell backward into the box on which he was lounging, and I started making loud noises that scared my cats.
posted by lazuli at 9:34 PM on May 28, 2017 [14 favorites]
I thought that was going to be the highlight, but then Maru fell backward into the box on which he was lounging, and I started making loud noises that scared my cats.
posted by lazuli at 9:34 PM on May 28, 2017 [14 favorites]
NO. Overcompensating, since that the age of LOLCATS has come to an end - Rare Puppers and Party Parrots are now pets of ultimate cuteness, nevermind the Hampster and Prairie Dog commandos.... and when all else fails, sneks seeking boops on the snoots. You may NOT has a cheezbrger!
You come at the king, you best not miss.
posted by pmlandwehr at 9:55 PM on May 28, 2017 [31 favorites]
You come at the king, you best not miss.
posted by pmlandwehr at 9:55 PM on May 28, 2017 [31 favorites]
I actually applauded when Maru figured out the swing and was lounging peacefully on it!
posted by TwoStride at 10:52 PM on May 28, 2017 [8 favorites]
posted by TwoStride at 10:52 PM on May 28, 2017 [8 favorites]
I suspect that the reason Maru is so creative and frankly, ridiculous, is that Maru's owners have exercised *incredible* restraint over the years and allowed him to just be, uninhibited. Whereas the rest of us feeble minded weaklings would have grabbed a sleeping paw, snipped a twitching tail with our scissor fingers, done a gentle boop on the head, delicately poked an exposed belly, folded up a box flap, or one gazillion other things that we absolutely must do when our squee switch gets flipped.
posted by iamkimiam at 12:24 AM on May 29, 2017 [12 favorites]
posted by iamkimiam at 12:24 AM on May 29, 2017 [12 favorites]
____ [🐱] ----posted by en forme de poire at 1:14 AM on May 29, 2017 [13 favorites]
My cat Lola is not that big on boxes (alas). Today, however, she got into one. Her way of saying "Happy Birthday, Maru!," I bet. :)
posted by soundofsuburbia at 1:27 AM on May 29, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by soundofsuburbia at 1:27 AM on May 29, 2017 [5 favorites]
From the day I discovered Maru, wandering through his impeccable home with a plastic container on his head, seemingly fascinated by the what his world was like viewed through the new lens, I have been in love. The time I've spent watching the effortless way he BOINGs in and out of boxes though he's honestly a bit stout are truly some of the best moments I've ever spent on the internet. My favorite of all Maru episodes, though, was the day I was watching and it seemed there was maybe something odd about his mouth. What on earth is wrong with his mouth? Oh my god, Scott! Come see! Something terrible has happened to Maru's mouth!!! My husband arrived to watch with me, just in time to see this lovely, ridiculous cat ever-so-slowly spit out a TOY TRUCK. And I was ded.
posted by thebrokedown at 1:29 AM on May 29, 2017 [13 favorites]
posted by thebrokedown at 1:29 AM on May 29, 2017 [13 favorites]
It is incredibly weird that we live in a world where a pet cat is famous purely through his owners putting videos of him on the internet. Maru has no discernible talent other than being a cat, and yet: Maru is a famous cat.
Admittedly, we do live in a world where the Kardashians are famous.
posted by Merus at 4:49 AM on May 29, 2017 [4 favorites]
Admittedly, we do live in a world where the Kardashians are famous.
posted by Merus at 4:49 AM on May 29, 2017 [4 favorites]
I actually applauded when Maru figured out the swing and was lounging peacefully on it!
I felt a vicarious sense of triumph when he got it.
The cat transforming machine made from two cardboard boxes was also great.
posted by acb at 4:50 AM on May 29, 2017 [3 favorites]
I felt a vicarious sense of triumph when he got it.
The cat transforming machine made from two cardboard boxes was also great.
posted by acb at 4:50 AM on May 29, 2017 [3 favorites]
At the beginning of the video I started watching like a normal person.
Then I got to the actual cat part and said, out loud "Lookit little baby Maru, he's a little tiny boy."
It only got worse.
posted by louche mustachio at 5:08 AM on May 29, 2017 [2 favorites]
Then I got to the actual cat part and said, out loud "Lookit little baby Maru, he's a little tiny boy."
It only got worse.
posted by louche mustachio at 5:08 AM on May 29, 2017 [2 favorites]
Maru has no discernible talent other than being a cat,
Well let's see videos of you sitting in boxes then
posted by thelonius at 5:08 AM on May 29, 2017 [52 favorites]
Well let's see videos of you sitting in boxes then
posted by thelonius at 5:08 AM on May 29, 2017 [52 favorites]
Maru has no discernible talent other than being a cat,
Grumpy Cat, is that you?
posted by Room 641-A at 5:34 AM on May 29, 2017 [12 favorites]
Grumpy Cat, is that you?
posted by Room 641-A at 5:34 AM on May 29, 2017 [12 favorites]
Maru has no discernible talent other than being a cat,
He just happens to be very, very good at his one talent.
posted by Miss Cellania at 5:52 AM on May 29, 2017 [23 favorites]
He just happens to be very, very good at his one talent.
posted by Miss Cellania at 5:52 AM on May 29, 2017 [23 favorites]
Wow, it's so hard to believe it's been 10 years already!
I usually introduce His Cuteness as “Performance Artist and Cat Impersonator Maru.” I remember thinking when little sister Hana came on the scene that she might influence him to be more normal, but it's almost been the opposite. In the pictures and videos, anyway, it seems like she's as much straight man as sidekick.
It is kind of depressing to think that I'll probably outlive the mooshy little guy.
By some cosmic karmic coincidence, Maru was allowed the deluxe upgrade package, and has all three options.
And he also lucked into finding the right human, who not only indulged but encouraged his little idiosyncrasies.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 5:53 AM on May 29, 2017 [3 favorites]
I usually introduce His Cuteness as “Performance Artist and Cat Impersonator Maru.” I remember thinking when little sister Hana came on the scene that she might influence him to be more normal, but it's almost been the opposite. In the pictures and videos, anyway, it seems like she's as much straight man as sidekick.
It is kind of depressing to think that I'll probably outlive the mooshy little guy.
By some cosmic karmic coincidence, Maru was allowed the deluxe upgrade package, and has all three options.
And he also lucked into finding the right human, who not only indulged but encouraged his little idiosyncrasies.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 5:53 AM on May 29, 2017 [3 favorites]
When I really need cheering up, I go find that early video of Maru trying to wedge himself into a cardboard drink sleeve. It remains pure cat internet joy for me.
posted by halcyonday at 6:10 AM on May 29, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by halcyonday at 6:10 AM on May 29, 2017 [2 favorites]
I am still thrilled to be living in a world with Maru in it. Happy birthday, you delightful cat.
posted by harriet vane at 7:28 AM on May 29, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by harriet vane at 7:28 AM on May 29, 2017 [4 favorites]
Happy Birthday, Maru. One great kitty!
posted by mermayd at 8:06 AM on May 29, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by mermayd at 8:06 AM on May 29, 2017 [1 favorite]
I'm trying to imagine any of my cats attempting that swing.
posted by octothorpe at 9:33 AM on May 29, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by octothorpe at 9:33 AM on May 29, 2017 [1 favorite]
I hadn't seen any videos of kitten-Maru before. So small, yet so pudgy!
posted by Phredward at 11:26 AM on May 29, 2017
posted by Phredward at 11:26 AM on May 29, 2017
I like how when climbing on the swing, Maru keeps looking up as if unsure about the rigging.
posted by 4ster at 11:43 AM on May 29, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by 4ster at 11:43 AM on May 29, 2017 [5 favorites]
I think the spartan, unrushed editing style (no cheesy background music either) and the impeccably minimalist Japanese apartment are part of what makes the whole thing work as well. Also he's a damn good looking cat.
posted by kersplunk at 11:47 AM on May 29, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by kersplunk at 11:47 AM on May 29, 2017 [5 favorites]
Is -- is this Catbus cosplay from Maru? I just may die of delight.
posted by maudlin at 1:21 PM on May 29, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by maudlin at 1:21 PM on May 29, 2017 [4 favorites]
Maru reminds me of his birthday compatriot Sir Ian McKellen :"Maru Maru Maru Action! YOU SHALL NOT PASS! (FWUMP!) Cut! Maru Maru Maru"
posted by dannyboybell at 2:11 PM on May 29, 2017
posted by dannyboybell at 2:11 PM on May 29, 2017
When I really need cheering up, I go find that early video of Maru trying to wedge himself into a cardboard drink sleeve. It remains pure cat internet joy for me.
My favorite Maru vid is this one. Boxes? He don't need no stinkin' boxes.
posted by longdaysjourney at 3:43 PM on May 29, 2017 [2 favorites]
My favorite Maru vid is this one. Boxes? He don't need no stinkin' boxes.
posted by longdaysjourney at 3:43 PM on May 29, 2017 [2 favorites]
The best of kitties. Happy birthday, Maru!
posted by mixedmetaphors at 4:07 PM on May 29, 2017
posted by mixedmetaphors at 4:07 PM on May 29, 2017
It always amazes me how cats can find a place to nap pretty much anywhere. Top of the swing? No problem. Containers of various sizes (even bowls smaller than cat)? No problem.
posted by jazzbaby at 6:48 PM on May 29, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by jazzbaby at 6:48 PM on May 29, 2017 [1 favorite]
You come at the king, you best not miss.
OK.
That video of a baby torturing a dog is okay, but I’m pretty sure Stinkum is bleeding out on the road. Meanwhile, Maru has a skillful forefoot.
posted by pmlandwehr at 8:04 PM on May 29, 2017 [2 favorites]
OK.
That video of a baby torturing a dog is okay, but I’m pretty sure Stinkum is bleeding out on the road. Meanwhile, Maru has a skillful forefoot.
posted by pmlandwehr at 8:04 PM on May 29, 2017 [2 favorites]
Maru indeed has a skillful forefoot.
My question is whether he's a Scottish fold, though. He looks like one, but without the fold, which seems to disqualify him from the breed standards. Is there confirmation on that?
posted by lazuli at 8:54 PM on May 29, 2017
My question is whether he's a Scottish fold, though. He looks like one, but without the fold, which seems to disqualify him from the breed standards. Is there confirmation on that?
posted by lazuli at 8:54 PM on May 29, 2017
And that was the most MetaFilter comment ever made right there above this one.
posted by hippybear at 8:56 PM on May 29, 2017
posted by hippybear at 8:56 PM on May 29, 2017
And that was the most MetaFilter comment ever made right there above this one.
Mine??? If so, I feel honored! I wasn't trying to rules-lawyer, though; I had a subscription to Cat Fancy through middle and high school and I get geeky about cat breeds. Which does not exclude rules-lawyering, I admit, but still was not my intent.
posted by lazuli at 9:07 PM on May 29, 2017
Mine??? If so, I feel honored! I wasn't trying to rules-lawyer, though; I had a subscription to Cat Fancy through middle and high school and I get geeky about cat breeds. Which does not exclude rules-lawyering, I admit, but still was not my intent.
posted by lazuli at 9:07 PM on May 29, 2017
He looks like one, but without the fold
Maru is a Straight, man.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:08 PM on May 29, 2017 [4 favorites]
Maru is a Straight, man.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:08 PM on May 29, 2017 [4 favorites]
We had a Scottish Fold cat when I was in high school. He had one straight ear, one folded ear, and the look of somebody perpetually listening for something in the distance. We jokingly called him, "Fred, the Scottish Semifold."
posted by The Underpants Monster at 3:57 AM on May 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 3:57 AM on May 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
Did anyone ever call him Semifreddo? Because I would have.
posted by jacquilynne at 9:34 AM on May 30, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by jacquilynne at 9:34 AM on May 30, 2017 [5 favorites]
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