What Breed of Cat is Garfield?

Garfield, the famous comic strip and television show character created by Jim Davis, is depicted as an orange, overweight tabby cat. Tabby isn’t a breed, but rather a coat pattern found in many cat breeds. But just what breed of cat IS Garfield? Let’s look at the most likely answers!

What Kind of Cat is Garfield?

It is generally accepted that Garfield is most likely an Exotic Shorthair or a mixed-breed cat with a distinctive tabby pattern.

The Exotic Shorthair breed, with its round face and dense, plush coat, can resemble Garfield’s appearance in some ways.

The Exotic Shorthair is a breed of cat that is similar in appearance and personality to the Persian cat–but with a short, plush coat instead of the long fur typically associated with Persians. The breed was initially developed in the 1950s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs and other shorthaired breeds to introduce new colors and patterns into the Persian breed. Eventually, the Exotic Shorthair was recognized as a separate breed, maintaining the Persian’s physical characteristics except for the coat length.

photo of Exotic Shorthair and Persian cats

Let’s look at some of the key aspects of the Exotic Shorthair and see if, indeed, this sounds like it might be Garfield’s breed:

Appearance

Much like Garfield, the Exotic Shorthair has a round face with large, expressive eyes and a short nose which give both a somewhat grumpy but endearing look. Their muscular body, which is a signature trait of the breed, resembles Garfield’s robust, albeit overweight, frame.

Their coat, which is short and dense, can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including the vibrant orange hue seen in depictions of Garfield.

Temperament

Exotic Shorthair cats are known for their gentle and calm demeanor. They are affectionate and tend to form strong bonds with their family members. They are also generally good with children and other pets. With his dozing around the clock, Garfield is definitely calm–and he is tolerant of his canine sidekick, Odie.

Grooming

Due to their short coat, Exotic Shorthairs require less grooming compared to their Persian counterparts. However, their brachycephalic (flat-faced) facial structure means that they might require regular cleaning around their eyes and nose to prevent infections and other issues.

Garfield often avoids grooming entirely, preferring to indulge in his favorite pastimes – eating and sleeping. Despite this, both the breed and Garfield require attention to their facial areas to prevent infections, with Garfield often being depicted with a notable disdain for baths.

Health

Similar to Persians, Exotic Shorthair cats are prone to certain health issues, including respiratory problems due to their flat faces and polycystic kidney disease. It’s important for prospective owners to be aware of these potential health issues and to obtain their cats from reputable breeders who test for hereditary diseases.

Obesity can be a problem with some Exotic Shorthair cats–and we all know it is a problem for Garfield.

Activity Level

Just like Garfield, Exotic Shorthairs are not overly active cats. Garfield, known for his lazy, laid-back attitude, would likely get along wonderfully with an Exotic Shorthair, as both enjoy lounging around and partake in playful yet not overly strenuous activities.

If you’re considering getting an Exotic Shorthair, keep in mind that they thrive in indoor environments and should be protected from extreme temperatures due to their brachycephalic facial structure.

Regardless of what cat breed Garfield may be modeled after, one thing is certain: Garfield has been loved the world over for nearly half a century. The themes explored in the Garfield comics, such as the love of food, disdain for Mondays, and the desire for a leisurely life, are universal. These themes resonate with readers globally, making Garfield a character that people from different walks of life can appreciate and enjoy.

Interested in an Exotic Shorthair?

Are you interested in adopting an Exotic Shorthair? You will find that rescues that specialize in Persian cats often have Exotic Shorthair cats as well. Petfinder also lists Exotic Shorthair cats available for adoption:

Petfinder

South Texas Persian Rescue

Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue

What Kind of Cat is Garfield?

Interested in an Exotic Shorthair?

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