National Garfield the Cat Day – Jun. 19, 2026

National Garfield the Cat Day
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CatChildrenPop Culture
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United States
Date change rule:
Every June 19
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National Garfield the Cat Day celebrates the world’s most opinionated feline every June 19. This day honors Jim Davis’s iconic, lasagna-loving tabby cat who has entertained audiences for decades with his witty charm and blunt observations. Embrace your inner Garfield by indulging in a favorite treat, sharing a sarcastic meme, or simply taking a long nap.

Want to sponsor National Garfield the Cat Day? Learn how

Expected National Garfield the Cat Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Garfield the Cat Day often inspires fun, cat-themed deals and pop culture tie-ins. Look for special offers from pet supply retailers like PetSmart and Petco on cat toys and treats. Comic book stores such as Barnes & Noble or independent shops might feature discounts on Garfield comic collections and merchandise. Fast-food chains, especially those known for pasta dishes, could offer promotions, perhaps even a nod to lasagna. Online retailers like Amazon and Target are also likely to run sales on Garfield apparel, home goods, and DVDs. Keep an eye on social media for surprise giveaways from brands like Funko, known for pop culture collectibles. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 19 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Garfield the Cat Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalGarfieldTheCatDay. Share photos of your own sassy pets or favorite Garfield moments.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalGarfieldTheCatDay. Film a short video recreating a classic Garfield comic strip.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalGarfieldTheCatDay. Share your favorite Garfield quotes or memes with friends.

Social Media Tips for National Garfield the Cat Day

Individuals

Indulge your inner Garfield by taking a long nap, enjoying a large plate of lasagna, or sharing your most sarcastic observations about the day.

Creators

Create a 'What My Cat Thinks' video series inspired by Garfield's inner monologue, or animate a short, original Garfield-style comic strip.

Brands

Host a 'Laziest Pet Contest' on social media, encouraging users to share photos of their pets in peak relaxation for a chance to win prizes.

Top Brands for National Garfield the Cat Day

  1. Paws, Inc.

    Founded by cartoonist Jim Davis in 1981, Paws, Inc. is the company responsible for the creative and business aspects of the Garfield franchise. Based in Albany, Indiana, it manages all licensing and syndication for the beloved cat.

  2. Penguin Random House

    As one of the largest book publishers in the world, Penguin Random House publishes numerous Garfield comic strip collections, graphic novels, and children's books. They help bring Garfield's adventures to readers of all ages globally.

  3. Funko

    Known for its pop culture licensed collectibles, Funko produces a wide range of Garfield-themed Pop! vinyl figures, keychains, and other merchandise. Their stylized figures capture Garfield's iconic look and personality.

  4. PetSmart

    A leading North American pet retailer, PetSmart offers a vast selection of cat food, toys, and accessories. They often feature promotions and themed products that align with popular pet-related holidays, including those celebrating iconic felines.

  5. DreamWorks Animation

    This renowned animation studio, now part of NBCUniversal, has brought Garfield to the big screen. They produced 'Garfield: The Movie' (2004) and 'Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties' (2006), introducing the character to new generations.

  6. Barilla

    An Italian food company, Barilla is one of the world's largest pasta producers. Given Garfield's famous love for lasagna, Barilla's range of pasta products, including lasagna sheets, makes them a fitting brand for the holiday.

  7. Target

    A major American retail corporation, Target frequently stocks a variety of pop culture merchandise, including Garfield-branded apparel, home goods, and toys. They serve as a key destination for fans looking to celebrate their favorite characters.

National Garfield the Cat Day Hero

Jim Davis

James Robert 'Jim' Davis is the American cartoonist best known as the creator of the Garfield comic strip. Born in 1945 in Marion, Indiana, Davis launched Garfield in 1978, naming the character after his grandfather. The strip quickly gained immense popularity, becoming one of the most widely syndicated comics in the world. His work has brought joy and laughter to millions, making Garfield a global icon of wit and relatable laziness.

National Garfield the Cat Day timeline

3100 B.C.
Cats become deities

The earliest evidence of felines as deities comes from an Ancient Egyptian 3100 B.C. crystal cup decorated with an image of the cat-headed goddess Mafdet.

June 19, 1978
Garfield first debuts

Originally rejected by the King Features, Post-Hall and The Chicago Tribune-New York News agencies, United Feature Syndicate accepted the retooled strip and debuted it in 41 newspapers.

1982
Garfield becomes a cover cat

Garfield makes the cover of People magazine as America’s #1 personality.

1984
Garfield becomes a high flying feline

Garfield blows up as the giant Garfield helium balloon makes its debut in the Macy’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Garfield the Cat Day

Local businesses can celebrate National Garfield the Cat Day by embracing the feline’s iconic persona. Restaurants could offer ‘Lasagna Day’ specials or cat-themed menu items, encouraging customers to share their dishes on social media. Pet stores might host adoption events for shelter cats, offering discounts on Garfield-inspired toys or accessories. Comic book shops can feature Garfield collections and merchandise, perhaps even hosting a trivia night about the strip’s history. Even offices can join in with a ‘wear your favorite Garfield shirt’ day or a communal lasagna lunch.

National Garfield the Cat Day FAQs

When is National Garfield the Cat Day?

In 2026, National Garfield the Cat Day falls on Friday, June 19. It’s the perfect end-of-week occasion to celebrate everyone’s favorite sarcastic feline with a plate of lasagna and a good nap.

How many comic strips has Garfield appeared in?

Garfield has appeared in over 14,000 comic strips since its debut on June 19, 1978. This makes it one of the most widely syndicated comic strips globally, reaching millions of readers daily.

How popular is Garfield the Cat?

Garfield is incredibly popular, holding the Guinness World Record for the world’s most syndicated comic strip, appearing in over 2,580 newspapers and journals globally. His image has graced countless merchandise items, from plush toys to video games.

What is Garfield's favorite food?

Garfield’s absolute favorite food is lasagna, a rich, layered pasta dish. His insatiable craving for it is a running gag throughout the comic strip, often leading to hilarious schemes and culinary adventures.

National Garfield the Cat Day Activities

  1. Write your own comic strip

    Learn to write and draw like the legendary Jim Davis. With sketch artists to aid in your quest for comedic brilliance, explore the comic strip world and bring your own ideas and characters to life.

  2. Try a lasagna blind taste test

    How well do you know Garfield’s favorite dish? Ricotta, sausage, squash…doritos?! Throw on a blindfold and delve into the depths of Garfield’s psyche as you try and decipher the plethora of ingredients that make our tabby cat’s mouth water.

  3. Liven up your Monday

    Ah, Mondays – what a day indeed. Can you come up with the best, worst thing about that detestable day? Have no fear, you’re in a safe place – we are all on the same side here. Let’s see who can articulate their “fondest” memory about the wretched day, and earn Garfield’s eternal praise.

Why We Love National Garfield the Cat Day

  1. Cats are sacred

    Ancient Egyptians considered cats, or “Mau,” to be sacred, and domesticated cats became known as symbols of grace and poise. If you know Garfield, then you know, without an ounce of doubt, he unequivocally agrees.

  2. Learn opinion versus perception

    An opinion is a belief regarding something, whereas a perception is how we see that belief relate to other things. Is there a difference? Ask Garfield – he’ll give you his opinion, or rather, his perspective…well, one way or another, he’ll give you plenty to think about.

  3. Laughter is the best medicine

    Enjoying a good laugh is for everyone – it relieves stress, lowers blood pressure, and fires up your immune system. What better way to stay healthy than to explore Garfield’s sardonic truisms on anything and everything, laughing all the way?

National Garfield the Cat Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 June 19 Friday
2027 June 19 Saturday
2028 June 19 Monday
2029 June 19 Tuesday
2030 June 19 Wednesday