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National Garfield Day

May 15, 2020

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

History

If you were wondering why June 19 th is National Garfield Day, the answer is simple. 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 instantly developed a lifelong lasagna craving. In fact, the kitten ate so much of it that the owner of the restaurant, faced with going out of business, had to sell the food-loving feline to a nearby pet store. Fortunately, cartoonist (and lifelong nerd) Jon Arbuckle saved the day by adopting Garfield. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Friends and Enemies

Although Garfield has always been the star of the show, he’s had his fair share 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. Of course, this fluffy (okay, he’s really just fat) 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

By the early 80s, Garfield had become a worldwide sensation. 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. His first book, Garfield at Large, was released in 1980, and made its way 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 1990s, Garfield got his own amusement park ride at Kennywood in West Miffin, PA. In 2011, he even launched his very 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!

Our Advice on National Garfield Day in 2024

Why is June 19 celebrated as National Garfield Day?

June 19 is celebrated as National Garfield Day in honor of the birthday of Garfield, the iconic orange tabby cat from the comic strip created by Jim Davis. First appearing in newspapers on June 19, 1978, Garfield quickly became a beloved character known for his love of lasagna, lazy demeanor, and sarcastic wit. The day commemorates not just the character’s introduction to the world but also his impact on popular culture. Garfield’s widespread appeal has led to a series of animated TV shows, movies, and merchandise, making him a symbol of humor and relatability for many. National Garfield Day celebrates this enduring legacy of the world’s most famous feline.

What is the origin story of Garfield, the orange feline?

Garfield, the orange feline, originated from the creative mind of cartoonist Jim Davis. He debuted on June 19, 1978, in a comic strip. The story goes that Garfield was born in the kitchen of Mamma Leoni’s Italian Restaurant, where his love for lasagna began. His insatiable appetite led him to consume so much food that the restaurant’s owner, faced with financial trouble, sold Garfield to a pet store. There, Jon Arbuckle, a cartoonist and character in the strip, adopted him. This origin story sets the stage for Garfield’s personality as a lasagna-loving, lazy, and sarcastic cat, traits that have endeared him to audiences worldwide.

What are some of Garfield’s notable achievements and records?

Garfield, the beloved orange tabby cat, boasts several notable achievements and records. He holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s most syndicated comic strip, a testament to his global popularity. Created by Jim Davis, Garfield first appeared in 1978 and quickly rose to fame. He has starred in numerous animated TV shows, such as “The Garfield Show” and “Garfield Originals,” and feature films, including “Garfield: The Movie.” Additionally, renowned actor Bill Murray has voiced Garfield’s character in cinematic adaptations. His influence extends to merchandise, books, and even an amusement park ride, making him a cultural icon across various mediums.

How has Garfield’s character been represented in popular culture, including movies and parades?

Garfield, the famous orange tabby cat, has been a significant figure in popular culture since his comic strip debut in 1978. In movies, he’s been brought to life through both animated features and live-action films, notably voiced by Bill Murray in “Garfield: The Movie.” His sardonic wit and love for lasagna have made him a relatable and enduring character. Garfield has been showcased in parades as a giant balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, highlighting his status as a cultural icon. His presence extends beyond print, permeating various media and public events, making him a recognizable and beloved character worldwide.

What characteristics of Garfield might resonate with pet owners of similar cats?

Garfield, the iconic orange tabby, embodies characteristics that resonate with many cat owners. His love of food, particularly lasagna, mirrors the often voracious appetite of domestic cats. His penchant for laziness and enjoying long naps reflects the typical feline behavior of resting for long periods. Additionally, Garfield’s sardonic and somewhat grumpy demeanor humorously encapsulates cats’ independent and sometimes aloof nature. These traits, combined with his expressive reactions and interactions with other characters, capture the complex, amusing, and often relatable dynamics that cat owners experience with their pets.

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