What Kind Of Cat Is Garfield?

Jim Davis’ popular cartoon character, Garfield, is a lasagna-loving big orange Persian/ tabby cat.

​While some speculate that he looks more like a Persian cat, others are adamant that he is a tabby cat due to his distinctive stripes. However, it is likely that Garfield is a mixed-breed cat; therefore, he has both Persian and tabby in him. 

Now you know what kind of breed Garfield is, read on to discover exactly what makes Garfield a mixed-breed cat and everything you need to know about the adored cartoon character.

WHAT IS GARFIELD?

Originally, Garfield was a comic strip created and illustrated by Jim Davis. In 1978, the comic became nationally and internationally known under the name ‘Garfield’.

​In 1988, Garfield first aired as a television series and became a hit. Since then, there have been numerous movies, series, and spin-offs of Garfield, to this day. Therefore, it’s safe to say that Garfield is a well-known household name.

The whole premise of the series, comics, and movies focuses on the day-to-day life of an overweight -  and somewhat sarcastic, sassy - orange cat called Garfield.

The cat is famously known for his hatred for Mondays and insatiable love for lasagna. Other characters in the show include Odie (the pet dog) and Jon (Garfields’s owner), as well as other frequent characters. 

THE INDEFINABLE FEATURES OF GARFIELD

Despite the fact that Garfield can talk, other features that distinguish him from any other cat include his striped body, his round face, and his bright orange fur.

​These are all features that have made Garfield become as popular as he is today, as well as his laziness and smug sarcastic personality that people love.

All of these physical traits are commonly found in both tabby and Persian cats. While the comic strips don’t specify the length of Garfield's fur, since Persians are bred with exotic shorthairs, it is likely that Garfield is a shorthair tabby/Persian.

WHERE DOES GARFIELD’S NAME ORIGINATE FROM?

The name ‘Garfield’ was incorporated by Jim Davis to honor his grandfather. This was determined by Davis due to Garfield's and his grandfather's somewhat shared resemblance in their personalities.


Garfield developed his infamous fixation on pasta, more specifically lasagna, from birth having been born close by an Italian restaurant.

Although, in due course, Garfield found himself in a pet store. This is where his owner, Jon, found him and decided to adopt the adorable, chubby kitten. 

Famously known for his strong personality, Garfield is an extremely smug, sarcastic cat who doesn’t take any form of criticism without dishing out a snide remark back at you.

​Despite teasing Jon and Odie relentlessly, Garfield, deep down, loves them both - although, he won’t admit it! 

He also loves his teddy bear which he is often seen sleeping with, this frequently makes an appearance in the comics.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER GARFIELD RELATED SHOWS?

Since the comics, as previously mentioned, there have been numerous films and television spin-offs that, primarily, took inspiration from the original comics.

For instance, in 1988, the first Garfield television show debuted called Garfield and Friends.

​Actors including Scott Beach, Tom Smothers, and Bill Murray are some of the voice-actors that were used to portray Garfield and have become voices synonymous with the grumpy cat. 

Apart from a television show, other adaptations of the comic strip include video games and a musical, which, unfortunately, was never as popular as the original adaptations. 

Garfield continues to grace the funny pages, with the same designs and inspirations from the original illustration of Jim Davis. Although, some illustrations are manufactured by Dan Daivs. 

WHAT IS A PERSIAN CAT?

In the United States, Persian cats are the second most popular cat breed to have as a pet. They can be characterized by their stocky legs, short noses, and long fur.

​This fur can come in a wide variety of colors; however, they are most famously known for their pristine white coats which are featured a lot in movies and television series; ranging from the 007 Bond movies to The Aristocats. 

The particular origin of Persian cats is not widely known or recorded. When looking at the 1600s, records exist stating that Persian cats were imported from Iran to Italy, as well as from Turkey to France. 

IS GARFIELD A GIRL OR A BOY?

Within a Mental Floss interview, Jim Davis explained that Garfield is a very universal character, and isn’t constrained to one particular gender, race, nationality, or age.

​However, within the comics, Garfield is commonly referred to and described with male pronouns such as he/him/his or ‘boy’. 

Although, after many raging Wikipedia edit wars that were seen debating the pressing topic of whether or not Garfield is a boy or girl, Jim Davis spoke in The Washington Post to settle the debate once and for all.

He answered a more direct question and revealed that Garfield is in fact male. 

In the Mental Floss interview, it is likely presumed that Jim Davis intended to say that Garfield was created and designed for all audiences, no matter their background or gender. Therefore, Jim Davis created a funny, chubby cat for everyone to enjoy and love. 

IS GARFIELD BASED ON A REAL CAT?

Garfield is a fictional cat. However, during his childhood, Jim Davis grew up on a farm surrounded by several cats. He based his illustrations on the many large cats that were roaming his farm. 

Although Garfield may not be based on a real cat, his name and personality were based on and inspired by Jon Davis’ grandfather. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Throughout the years, Garfield has become a loved and adored comic strip, television series, and movie by many generations.

​While Garfield may be a fictional character, he shares many of the same characteristics as a Persian/ tabby cat. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with everything you need to know about Garfield.