National Garfield The Cat Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Feb 08, 2022
Fact-checked by Sudeshna Nag
National Garfield the Cat Day celebrates the famous cat character Garfield.

Where is National Garfield The Cat Day celebrated?

The day is mainly celebrated in the U.S. But any fan of this comic around the globe can celebrate this day.

Who celebrates the National Garfield The Cat Day?

This day is celebrated by fans of the cartoon strip Garfield and all cat lovers.

When did National Garfield The Cat Day first start?

The day first started on June 19, 1998, which was the 20th anniversary of the comic strip dedicated to celebrating Garfield.

Who started National Garfield The Cat Day?

The day is essentially Garfield's birthday. It was started by a woman named Wanda Thayer.

History and Timeline

Let us look at some historical facts about cats and Garfield.

Traditions and Customs

On this day, people celebrate the birthday of Garfield, the fictional ginger feline. They enjoy it as a dress-up day, read the cartoon strip, or watch the series.

Ways to Observe or Celebrate National Garfield The Cat Day

There are many ways to celebrate Garfield the Cat Day and also celebrate the other cute felines in our lives. You can celebrate the cheeky cat by showing off your artistic skills and making some fan art.

You can give lots of love to your own domesticated cats. You can also donate to your local charity that works with stray animals and eat Garfield's favorite food, lasagna. You can also enjoy this day by doing nothing and being purposefully lazy like Garfield.

Facts and Stats

  • Many people share a lot of witty Garfield quotes on this day over social media.
  • On this day, you can pick up one of the cookbooks dedicated to Garfield like 'Garfield-Recipes with Cattitude' and make some delicious recipes!
  • Since this is also Juneteenth Day and thus, a Federal holiday in the U.S., it seems to be an added bonus for Garfield fans to celebrate this day while also celebrating the diverse culture of America.

Domestication Of Cats

Cats were domesticated by humans around this time. They were also worshipped in Ancient Egypt.

7500 B.C.

Publication Of Garfield.

Jim Davis published the first comic strip of Garfield the Cat on this day. The feline ginger friend easily became everyone's favorite.

June 19, 1978.

'Garfield and Friends' Aired

On this day in 1988, the first episode of the Garfield animated series titled 'Garfield and Friends' first aired.

September 17, 1988.

National Garfield The Cat Day Initiated.

At a Garfield birthday party in the year 1998, it was officially stated that this day would be celebrated as National Garfield the Cat Day. Not just to celebrate Garfield but all the friendly felines of the world.

June 19, 1998.

The First Garfield Movie Came Out

The first Garfield movie titled 'Garfield: The Movie' was released on this day. The sequel, 'Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties' was released in 2006.

June 11, 2004.

Is today a Garfield Day?

The National Garfield the Cat Day falls on June 19 every year! It was the day when the comic strip was released for the first time.

When is Garfield's birthday?

Garfield's birthday is on June 19, 1978.

When was Garfield created?

Garfield's birth date is the day when the first newspaper strip was published. This newspaper was published on June 19, 1978.

How is National Cat Day different from National Garfield the Cat Day?

National Cat Day is celebrated annually on October 29 to celebrate cats. National Garfield the Cat Day is a day to celebrate the comic strip, Garfield, on June 19.

How are cat owners promoting National Garfield the Cat Day?

Cat owners can promote this day by sharing pictures of their cats on social media.

How do families celebrate National Garfield the Cat Day?

Families can celebrate National Garfield the Cat Day by reading the comic strips, watching the tv animated series, dressing up as the tabby ginger cat, and eating lasagna.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, June 18, 2020
  • Friday, June 18, 2021
  • Saturday, June 18, 2022
  • Sunday, June 18, 2023
  • Tuesday, June 18, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Sudeshna Nag

Master of Arts specializing in History

Sudeshna Nag picture

Sudeshna NagMaster of Arts specializing in History

Having earned a Master's degree in History from the Presidency University in Kolkata, Sudeshna was able to refine these skills and broaden her knowledge base. Not only is she an accomplished fact-checker, but she is also deeply invested in gender research, societal interactions, and mental health. Her professional repertoire also includes experience in translation between Bengali and English content

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