National Garfield the Cat Day, celebrated on June 19th, honors the iconic lasagna-loving, Monday-hating tabby cat created by Jim Davis. First appearing in 1978, Garfield has become a global pop culture phenomenon through comic strips, TV shows, movies, and merchandise. This day celebrates his humor, charm, and the joy he brings to fans worldwide.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: June 19th
- Tagged as: Pop culture, comics, humor
- What’s the hashtag?: #GarfieldTheCatDay
- When was it founded?: 1998 (20th anniversary of Garfield’s debut)
- Who founded it?: Jim Davis
History
Garfield debuted on June 19, 1978, in a comic strip featuring Jon Arbuckle and Odie. Jim Davis created Garfield to fill a gap in popular comic strips that lacked a prominent cat character. Named after his grandfather, James Garfield Davis, Garfield quickly rose to fame for his witty observations and relatable traits like laziness and love for food. Over the years, Garfield evolved from walking on all fours to a more human-like design, solidifying his status as a beloved character.
Timeline
- 1978: Garfield’s first comic strip is published.
- 1982: “Here Comes Garfield,” the first TV special, airs.
- 1984: Garfield becomes the most widely syndicated comic strip globally.
- 2004: “Garfield: The Movie” is released.
- 2009–2016: “The Garfield Show” airs on Cartoon Network.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 19 | Thursday |
| 2026 | June 19 | Friday |
| 2027 | June 19 | Saturday |
| 2028 | June 19 | Monday |
| 2029 | June 19 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | June 19 | Wednesday |
Observed
Fans celebrate by reading Garfield comics, watching his movies or TV shows, enjoying lasagna (his favorite food), and sharing their love for the sassy cat on social media.
Fun Facts About Garfield
- Garfield was born in an Italian restaurant kitchen and weighed over five pounds at birth.
- His favorite food is lasagna, while he despises raisins and Mondays.
- In Sweden, he’s called “Gustaf,” while in Finland, he’s known as “Karvinen.”
- Odie originally belonged to Jon’s roommate Lyman.
- Garfield holds the Guinness World Record for being the most widely syndicated comic strip.
Quiz
- When did Garfield first appear?
- What is Garfield’s favorite food?
- Who created Garfield?
(Answers: 1. June 19, 1978; 2. Lasagna; 3. Jim Davis)
FAQs
Q: Why does Garfield hate Mondays?
A: Though he has no job or school obligations, his disdain reflects human sentiments about starting the workweek.
Q: What inspired Jim Davis to create Garfield?
A: Davis noticed dogs dominated comics but no cats were featured prominently; growing up with cats inspired him to create one.
Q: Is National Garfield Day only about the character?
A: It also celebrates humor and the joy pets bring into our lives.
Importance of National Garfield the Cat Day
This day highlights the cultural impact of one of history’s most beloved cartoon characters. It reminds us to laugh at life’s quirks—just like Garfield does—and appreciate our pets for their unique personalities.
Related
- International Cat Day (August 8)
- National Pet Day (April 11)
- Cartoonists Day (May 5)