Many people grew up watching Garfield on a small screen.
On June 19, 1978, the world was introduced to the first comic strip featuring this beloved character.
Have you ever wondered what breed Jim Davis had in mind when he created one of the world’s most famous cats? The inspiration for Garfield came from an exotic cat. Thanks to breeder Jane Martinke, this feline came to life in 1966 when she crossed a British Shorthair, an American Shorthair, and a Persian cat.
Furthermore, the mix included Russian Blue cats and Burmese cats.
- Longevity: These Garfield-like cats have an estimated lifespan of 12 to 19 years.
- Litter Size: Each litter typically includes 2 to 3 lasagna-loving kittens.
This exotic cat is medium-sized with round eyes and the appearance of an everlasting kitten.
Their coat color resembles that of a Persian cat, but with the advantage of having short fur, which requires less maintenance and sheds very little. This makes them an ideal choice for those who seek the beauty of a Persian without the hassle of extensive grooming.
For those who adore exotic cats, you’ll be delighted to know that these charming companions require grooming only once a week. This makes them relatively low-maintenance compared to other breeds.
The Persian Cats’ Need for Extra Care
In contrast, Persian cats demand a more extensive grooming routine, necessitating regular attention to maintain their luxurious coats.
Exotic Cats: The Perfect Pets
Many proud owners affectionately refer to exotic cats as “the perfect pets.” This reputation is well-deserved, as breeders often highlight their suitability for families with children.
- They love to follow their owners around the house.
- Enjoy being cuddled.
- Exhibit a playful and mischievous nature.
Garfield: The Iconic Cartoon Cat
Unlike his real-life counterparts, the cartoon character Garfield is famously depicted as a chubby, lazy, and cynical yet endearing cat.
Garfield’s story began in the kitchen of the Italian restaurant Mamma Leoni, where he was born weighing just over two kilograms. From the start, he showed an irresistible love for Italian cuisine.
The restaurant owner found himself in a dilemma, having to choose between keeping Garfield or closing his doors due to a shortage of pasta. Ultimately, Garfield was sold to a pet shop, marking the beginning of his humorous adventures.
Garfield found himself in a hopeless situation until the kind-hearted Jon Arbuckle appeared at his door, marking the beginning of the wonderful adventures of a chubby cat who loves lasagna and despises Mondays.
The Charm of Exotic Shorthair Cats
Exotic Shorthair cats are often compared to Garfield, thanks to their unique characteristics. Let’s explore the similarities between this exotic breed and Garfield, Odie’s best friend.
Physical Characteristics
- The Exotic Shorthair cat is of medium size with a strong and robust body.
- Its coat is short, thick, and straight, featuring colors like white, red, black, blue, golden, silver, brown, and cream.
- Special attention should be given to their eyes, which are their most prominent feature. They are large, almost round, and come in shades of blue, copper, and hazel, sometimes even varying between these colors.
- The head is round and broad, with small, wide-set ears.
When considering the unique features of this fascinating breed, several attributes stand out, offering a glimpse into their charming nature and physical traits. Let’s explore these characteristics in detail.
Distinctive Physical Features
This breed is known for its flat or short face, which is often quite clear of any obstruction. However, it’s important to note that their notably flat face could potentially be linked to certain eye-related health issues.
- Legs: Short, thick, and appear fluffy and round.
- Tail: Short and bushy, with no lack or reduction of fur.
- Weight: Typically ranges from five to eight kilograms.
Indeed, it seems we have identified the right breed.
Charming Temperament
What you need to know about these cats is that they make excellent companions. While they can stay quiet for long periods, they do have a mischievous side.
Key Temperament Traits
- Curiosity and Playfulness: These cats are always eager to explore and engage in playful antics.
- Independence with Affection: They cherish their independence but also show affection.
- Calm Demeanor: They typically maintain a tranquil pace when walking.
- Need for Fresh Air: Enjoying fresh air is essential for them to feel rejuvenated.
Unquestionably, these attributes bring to mind the beloved and plump Garfield, who embarks on adventures with his delightful companion, Odie, the ever-cheerful puppy.
Did you know that June 19, 1978, is celebrated as Garfield Day? This is the day when the beloved comic strip character was first introduced to the world.
A Blogger’s Insight
It’s not entirely clear, but there are two breeds of cats that bear a striking resemblance to Garfield.
Diving into the Differences
When we compare the Exotic Shorthair and the British Shorthair, a notable distinction emerges: the Exotic Shorthair boasts a shorter nose compared to its British counterpart. Judging by Garfield’s illustrations, I’d say he closely resembles the Exotic Shorthair breed.
Garfield’s Distinctive Appearance
In both cases, Garfield is depicted as a red Tabby cat. In Spanish, these cats are known as “atigrados,” and Garfield’s illustrations are of the “mackerel” type.
The term “mackerel” translates literally to “caballa” in Spanish due to the fish’s stripes, but it is generally used to describe the tabby or tiger-striped patterns.
So, in essence, Garfield is a charming red tabby cat with a distinctive appearance that has captured hearts worldwide.