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Happy National Garfield the Cat Day! Celebrated annually on June 19th, this day honors one of the most famous characters in comic strip history: the lasagna-loving, Monday-hating, rather rotund, Garfield. From comic strips and TV shows to movies and merchandise, Garfield has become a pop culture icon since his introduction in 1978. Whether you're a long-time fan or newly introduced, here are some pawsome facts you should know on National Garfield the Cat Day.
#1 The Creation of Garfield
Created by cartoonist Jim Davis, Garfield made his debut on June 19, 1978. Davis named the orange, fuzzy tabby cat after his grandfather, James Garfield Davis, who was in turn named after President James Garfield. The comic strip originally centered around Jon Arbuckle and his pet dog, Odie. Still, Davis introduced Garfield to provide Jon someone to interact with, and soon the charismatic cat took center stage.
#2 Garfield's Notoriety
Garfield is the world's most widely syndicated comic strip and it holds the Guinness World Record for being As of the date of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Garfield has appeared in nearly 2,600 newspapers and journals, reaching a staggering readership of 260 million people globally. Its wide range of popularity has led to the creation of television shows, movies, merchandise, and even video games.
#3 Garfield's Favorite Things
There are three things that Garfield absolutely loves – eating (especially lasagna), sleeping, and teasing Odie. He is often seen indulging in large portions of lasagna, his favorite dish. Davis chose lasagna because, as he once said, "it would be funny to have a cat who likes lasagna." This trait quickly became one of Garfield's defining characteristics.
#4 Garfield's Hates
Just as he loves food and sleep, there are things Garfield deeply dislikes. His distaste for Mondays is a well-known trait. Despite being a cat with no job or school obligations, Garfield's dislike for Mondays is likely a nod to the common human sentiment of Monday blues. Other things on Garfield's dislike list are diets, raisins, and exercise.
#5 Garfield Through the Years
Over the years, Garfield's appearance has changed significantly. In the original comic strips, Garfield walked on all fours and had smaller, more realistic eyes. As time passed, his design became more stylized and human-like. He started walking on two legs, and his eyes became larger and more expressive.
Celebrating National Garfield the Cat Day!
On June 19, take a moment to celebrate this iconic orange tabby. You can read some Garfield comic strips, watch a Garfield movie or TV episode, wear some Garfield-themed clothing, or even indulge in a slice of lasagna in honor of this beloved character.
Remember, National Garfield the Cat Day is about more than just one cat. It's about celebrating the joy, laughter, and companionship that pets bring into our lives. So, whether you're a fan of the world's favorite lasagna-loving cat or have a special feline companion in your life, take a moment to appreciate the joy they bring and maybe share an extra treat or two - just maybe not lasagna!
