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National Garfield the Cat Day

Celebrate National Garfield the Cat Day with your furry feline friend! Treat them to extra cuddles, treats, and a special toy for the day.

Friday

June 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJune 19

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYComics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Garfield the Cat Day on June 19th! Since his first appearance in 1978, this beloved orange tabby cat created by Jim Davis has become an international icon. Garfield is known for his sardonic humor, love of lasagna and sleeping late. He has appeared in books, TV shows and movies as well as thousands of comic strips. On June 19th let's take time to recognize this timeless cartoon character who never fails to make us smile!

TIMELINE

National Garfield the Cat Day Timeline

Birth of Garfield

Cartoonist Jim Davis first created Garfield, the lasagna-loving tabby cat, and his first comic strip was published on June 19, 1978.

First Garfield Book Release

The first compilation of Garfield comic strips, "Garfield at Large: His First Book", is released, becoming a bestseller.

Garfield TV debut

"Here Comes Garfield", the first Garfield television special, is aired, marking the animated debut of the character.

Garfield On The Big Screen

Garfield made his debut on the big screen with "Garfield and Friends", an animated series that ran until 1994.

Garfield's First Live-Action Movie

Garfield starred in his first live-action feature film, "Garfield: The Movie". It featured a blend of live action with a CGI Garfield voiced by Bill Murray.

Viacom Acquires Paws Inc.

Viacom, owner of Nickelodeon, announced it had acquired Paws Inc., including the rights to the Garfield franchise, intending to develop new Garfield content.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Garfield the Cat Day

Watch a Garfield movie

Whether it’s the original animated film or one of the live action movies, you can’t go wrong with watching a Garfield movie on National Garfield the Cat Day.

BAKE

Bake a Garfield cake

Try your hand at baking a Garfield-themed cake. Whether it’s a simple round cake with an edible image of Garfield or an elaborate 3D sculpture, there are lots of ways to celebrate with cake.

PLAY

Play Garfield video games

Get your gaming fix in by playing some of the classic Garfield video games like “Garfield: Caught in the Act” and “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties”.

THROW

Throw a Garfield party

Invite your friends over for some pizza and cupcakes decorated in orange icing and make it a party dedicated to everyone’s favorite lasagna loving cat.

READ

Read the comic strips

Take some time and read the classic comic strips from Jim Davis featuring everyone’s favorite fat cat, Garfield.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Garfield the Cat Day

Garfield promotes pet adoption

Through Garfield, people are reminded to consider taking in shelter animals who've been left homeless. The popular comic strip highlights the importance of providing loving homes for our four-legged friends, a message that inspires people worldwide to rescue their next family pet!

Garfield is lovable

Garfield has been around since 1978 and he's still one of the most beloved cartoon cats out there. His hilarious antics and love for food make him the perfect source of comic relief, and his laidback demeanor makes him easy to relate to and root for.

Garfield is wise

Although Garfield can come across as a bit cranky at times, he always has something insightful to say. He offers sage advice on topics ranging from relationships to career choices, making him an invaluable life coach if you're ever in need of a second opinion!