National Garfield Day

National Garfield the Cat Day is a beloved annual celebration that honors the world’s most famous ginger feline, Garfield, who sprang from the creative mind of cartoonist Jim Davis in 1978. This iconic comic strip character, renowned for his insatiable appetite for lasagna and his enduring disdain for Mondays, has entertained millions of readers around the globe. Over the decades, Garfield’s laid-back lifestyle and tongue-in-cheek humor have cemented his status as a pop culture icon. The day also celebrates the enduring popularity of Garfield’s supporting cast, including his long-suffering owner, Jon Arbuckle, and the lovable dog, Odie. Fans, new and old, gather on National Garfield the Cat Day to revisit favorite strips, binge-watch classic television specials, and share fond memories of the cat who somehow manages to make laziness look endearing. Join this purr-tastic occasion and discover why Garfield remains a larger-than-life figure in the world of comics and beyond.

June 19th is National Garfield Day! This grumpy orange feline has won the hearts of millions with his sarcastic, unimpressed ‘purrsonality.’ A vet discusses this lasagna-loving furball below.

History

Were you wondering why June 19th is National Garfield the Cat Day? It’s his birthday! Back in 1978, a little orange ball of cynicism was born in the kitchen of Mamma Leoni’s Italian Restaurant, where he immediately developed a lifelong lasagna craving. In fact, the kitten ate so much that the owner of the restaurant, faced with going out of business, had to sell the food-loving feline to a pet store. Fortunately, cartoonist (and lifelong nerd) Jon Arbuckle saved the day by adopting Garfield. The rest, as they say, is history.

Friends And Enemies

Although Garfield has always been the star of the show, he’s had a variety of co-stars over the years. This list includes Arlene, his crush; Odie, Jon’s slobbery, eternally gullible dog; a mouse named Floyd; Nermal, the World’s Cutest Kitten; Pooky, his beloved teddy bear; and, of course, his vet, Liz, with whom Jon is hopelessly in love. This fluffy (okay, he’s really just fat) orange furball also has a few enemies. Given the option, Garfield would probably list Nermal and Odie as his main nemeses. However, he’s also found himself at odds with trees, raisins, the occasional spider, screen doors, several dogs, and, of course, every Monday ever.

Rising Star

Garfield was a worldwide sensation by the early 80’s. He soon made the leap from comic strips to TV, starring in such classics as The Garfield Show, Garfield Originals, and Garfield’s Halloween, to name just a few. He released his first book, Garfield at Large, in 1980, and made the leap to the silver screen in 2004 with Garfield: The Movie.

The flabby tabby has been voiced by the esteemed actor Bill Murray, and was once the subject of the biggest Macy’s parade float ever. In the ‘90s, he got his own amusement park ride at Kennywood in West Miffin, PA. In 2011, he even launched his own musical! Currently, the lovably lazy kitty holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s most syndicated comic strip. Not bad for a cat that spends most of his time sleeping!

Is your cat obese, lazy, and/or orange? Does your feline buddy torment innocent house spiders or love cuddling teddy bears? Reach out to us, your pet clinic!

National Garfield the Cat Day 2025: Celebrating an Iconic Feline

What is Garfield’s specific breed?

Garfield, the famous cartoon cat, embodies the characteristics of a classic orange tabby cat. His distinctive, bold striped pattern and robust physique are typical of this type. Although not a specific breed, orange tabbies are often found in various breeds, such as the American Shorthair or the Maine Coon. Their vivid coat color and common personality traits like playfulness and a sometimes sardonic demeanor mirror Garfield’s representation in his comic series and adaptations.

Are there Garfield cookbooks?

Yes. Garfield has served as inspiration for some cookbooks that revolve around the comedic cat’s love of lasagna and comfort foods. Licensed Garfield cookbooks provide a playful spin on standard recipes, sometimes featuring comedic commentary from the orange feline himself. They blend Garfield’s trademark humor with accessible dishes that reflect his iconic appetite. Fans can discover lasagna variations and sweet treats, while also enjoying references to Garfield’s laid-back personality. Many find these cookbooks a nostalgic way to connect with the comic strip legend while satisfying real-life cravings. They can sometimes be found through fan collections and official merchandise outlets.

Are there Garfield-themed establishments?

Yes, Garfield-themed attractions have appeared in various locations. Garfield once had a dedicated ride at Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, immersing fans in his iconic world. Licensed Garfield cafés and pop-ups have occasionally emerged, offering character-inspired menus and décor. These establishments feature nods to his taste for lasagna, comedic timing, and laid-back style, attracting both loyal fans and curious visitors. Though official venues are not widespread, the comic strip icon’s global popularity continues to inspire events, promotions, and products that pay tribute to the famous feline’s charm and wit. Some Garfield-inspired family activities even highlight his friendly rivalry with Odie.

In what languages is Garfield available?

Garfield’s global presence includes many official translations for readers of different languages. This widely popular comic strip is published in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese, among others, reaching fans across numerous continents. His witty humor and timeless jokes have made him accessible through magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms worldwide, ensuring that language barriers rarely hinder Garfield’s comedic impact. The cat’s universal themes—such as a love of food and disdain for Mondays—resonate with readers in more than 40 languages. This broad distribution positions him as the most syndicated comic strip in the world.

How did National Garfield the Cat Day become official?

National Garfield Day is recognized on June 19, Garfield’s official birthday, commemorating the day his comic first debuted in 1978. Because fans quickly embraced Garfield’s love for lasagna, cynical wit, and comedic interactions with Jon Arbuckle, this iconic cat soon gained massive popularity. Over time, Garfield’s widespread appeal and recognition eventually earned him a formally acknowledged day of celebration. The date pays homage to his cultural impact, shown by popular television adaptations, worldwide syndication, and amusement park rides. Each June 19, fans celebrate the tabby who forever changed the face of comics.

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