Garfield, the famous comic strip character created by Jim Davis, has captured the hearts of millions with his lazy, lasagna-loving personality and mischievous antics. Fans of Garfield often wonder what breed of cat he is based on, as his iconic look and behavior have made him a beloved feline figure. While Garfield isn’t officially a specific breed, he closely resembles certain characteristics of real-life cat breeds. In this post, we’ll explore what breed Garfield is likely based on, what traits define that breed, and how you can find a cat that shares some of Garfield’s unique qualities.
What Breed is Garfield?
Garfield is often considered to be based on the Exotic Shorthair breed, which is the short-haired version of the Persian cat. The Exotic Shorthair shares many physical and personality traits with Garfield, making it the closest real-life comparison to the famous cartoon cat.
Characteristics of the Exotic Shorthair Breed
The Exotic Shorthair is known for its sweet, gentle personality and distinctive appearance, which matches Garfield’s overall look. Here’s why Garfield is often associated with this breed:
- Physical Appearance:
- Round Face and Chubby Cheeks: Garfield’s round face, large eyes, and plump cheeks closely resemble the physical traits of Exotic Shorthairs. This breed has a round head, wide-set eyes, and a flat nose, giving them an adorable, almost cartoonish appearance, much like Garfield.
- Stocky Build: Exotic Shorthairs have a sturdy, muscular body with a broad chest and short legs, contributing to their chubby appearance. Garfield’s famously large, round belly and stocky frame reflect the body type of this breed.
- Short, Plush Coat: Although Garfield appears orange and striped, the short, plush coat of the Exotic Shorthair closely resembles his fur texture. The breed’s coat is thick and dense, much like Garfield’s fictional fur.
- Color:
- Garfield’s iconic orange-and-black tabby stripes are a well-known feature of the character. While Exotic Shorthairs come in a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby, it’s not uncommon to find orange or red tabby Exotic Shorthairs that resemble Garfield’s color scheme.
- Personality Traits:
- Laid-back and Lazy: One of Garfield’s most recognizable traits is his love for napping and lounging around the house. Exotic Shorthairs are known for their calm, laid-back nature, and many of them enjoy spending time resting, much like the lazy behavior Garfield often exhibits.
- Affectionate and Social: Despite his grumpy and sarcastic nature, Garfield shows moments of affection toward his owner, Jon, and his companion, Odie. Exotic Shorthairs are similarly affectionate and enjoy being around their human families. They are known for their gentle and loving disposition, making them excellent pets for families.
- Low-Maintenance Grooming:
- Unlike the long-haired Persian cat, the Exotic Shorthair has a short coat that is easier to manage and requires less grooming. This feature aligns with Garfield’s lazy personality, as he wouldn’t likely enjoy extensive grooming sessions. The low-maintenance nature of the breed’s coat makes it an attractive option for those who love Persian-like cats but prefer less grooming responsibility.
Also Read: Are Money Trees Toxic to Cats?
Similar Breeds to Garfield
While the Exotic Shorthair is the breed most closely associated with Garfield, there are a few other breeds that share similar characteristics and could also serve as inspirations for the famous cartoon cat:
- Persian Cat:
The Persian is a long-haired breed known for its flat face, round eyes, and affectionate personality. While Garfield’s coat is shorter, his facial features and stocky build are reminiscent of Persian cats. Like Exotic Shorthairs, Persians have a calm demeanor and enjoy lounging around, much like Garfield. - British Shorthair:
British Shorthairs are another breed with a round face, large eyes, and a sturdy build. Their calm and relaxed personality is similar to Garfield’s, and they also come in a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby. While their face isn’t as flat as that of the Exotic Shorthair or Persian, British Shorthairs still share many physical traits with Garfield. - American Shorthair:
The American Shorthair is a classic, robust breed that often comes in the orange tabby color seen in Garfield. These cats are known for their friendly and easygoing personality, and while they are more active than Garfield’s famously lazy character, they still make for excellent companions.
How to Find a “Garfield Cat”
If you’re looking to bring a real-life “Garfield” into your home, here are some steps you can take:
- Look for an Exotic Shorthair Breeder:
If you’re set on finding a cat that resembles Garfield, start by looking for reputable Exotic Shorthair breeders. Make sure to choose a breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of the cats and provides proper care and socialization for their kittens. - Adopt an Orange Tabby Cat:
If you’re more focused on finding a cat with Garfield’s signature orange color and less concerned about the specific breed, check local animal shelters or rescue organizations for orange tabby cats. Many mixed-breed cats resemble Garfield in appearance and personality, and adopting from a shelter is a great way to give a cat a second chance at a loving home. - Personality Over Appearance:
While it’s fun to find a cat that looks like Garfield, remember that personality is key. Cats with a calm, laid-back, and affectionate nature can make wonderful companions, regardless of their breed or color. Spend time with potential adoptees to find a cat whose temperament matches your lifestyle.
Why Garfield’s Personality Resonates with Cat Lovers
Part of Garfield’s enduring popularity comes from how relatable his personality is. Many cat lovers see aspects of their own pets in Garfield’s behavior—whether it’s his love for lounging, his grumpy attitude toward mornings, or his habit of pestering his owner for food. Garfield’s humor and sarcasm are paired with a deep affection for his human, which mirrors the way many real-life cats express love, even when they pretend to be indifferent.
Additionally, Garfield’s lazy lifestyle appeals to those who appreciate cats for their independence and ability to enjoy life on their terms. For many cat owners, the balance between a cat’s independence and affection is what makes the bond so special—and Garfield captures that perfectly.
While Garfield is a fictional character, he shares many physical and personality traits with real-life cat breeds, particularly the Exotic Shorthair. With their round faces, stocky builds, and laid-back personalities, Exotic Shorthairs are the closest match to the lovable, lasagna-eating cat that fans know and adore. Whether you’re looking for a real-life “Garfield” or just love cats with similar traits, understanding the characteristics of different breeds can help you find the perfect feline companion. Whether it’s an orange tabby or a chubby, laid-back Exotic Shorthair, there’s a little bit of Garfield in many cats—and that’s what makes him such a timeless character.
