What Kind of Cat Is Garfield? Breeds, Traits & Lookalikes

Garfield isn’t just a cartoon—he’s an icon. With his orange stripes, lazy attitude, and love for lasagna, fans often ask, What kind of cat is Garfield? While he’s fictional, his appearance mirrors several real-life breeds. From his round face to his thick body and sleepy eyes, Garfield shows traits found in some of the most lovable felines. 

Cats like the Exotic Shorthair cat, Persian cat breed, and British Shorthair breed share many of their physical features. His chubby shape also fits the description of a cobby body type cat, making Garfield more relatable than you might think.

Who Is Garfield? A Quick Character Overview

The story of Garfield was written in 1978 by a cartoonist called Jim Davis. Very soon, he turned into one of the most iconic cats in the world. Garfield is gluttonous, sarcastic, and indolent. He belongs to his owner Jon and his dorky dog pet, Odie. The fact that he reflects so much on how many real cats behave is what makes him special. This is why the question why Garfield is so lazy constantly appears, and what kind of cat behaves so in real life.

Garfield turned out to be more than a comic strip over the years. He has appeared in films, television programs as well and video games. Due to his fame, the question of what breed is Garfield, the cat, and whether one can find a similar pet of their own that behaves and looks like the famous cat are usually common. The thick build, the round face as well as sarcastic looks make him an animal that many cats share, especially some breeds.

What Breed Is Garfield Based On?

Jim Davis once said Garfield is a mix of different breeds. He didn’t base Garfield on just one cat. Instead, he created a personality and look using parts of many breeds. But when you study Garfield’s face, fur, and behavior, it’s easy to guess what type of cat is Garfield based on. Most experts believe Garfield is likely inspired by a Persian cat breed or an Exotic Shorthair cat.

Both of these cats are known for their squashed noses, thick round faces, and lazy nature. They’re classic cobby body type cats, meaning they have short legs, a round body, and a wide chest. That’s exactly how Garfield looks. So, is Garfield a Persian or Exotic Shorthair? The answer could be either—but the Exotic Shorthair cat is the closest match.

Physical Traits That Make a Cat Look Like Garfield

Garfield stands out for his orange fur, big belly, and round face. These are real traits found in some cat breeds. His orange coat is covered in cats with mackerel tabby pattern, which are thin dark stripes going down the body. Garfield’s flat face is similar to round-faced cats like Persians and Exotics. His eyes are big and droopy, just like cats with expressive eyes.

The thick, plush look of his coat also hints at cats with plush coats, like the British Shorthair breed. His legs are short, and his body looks compact. These signs point to lazy cat breeds with the cobby body type, which makes them look like stuffed animals. All these features together help answer the question, what makes a cat look like Garfield.

Top Garfield-Like Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

Many breeds can look like Garfield. They may not have his attitude, but their face, fur, or size could fool anyone. Below is a table showing the top breeds that resemble him most and what traits they share.

Each breed adds a little something to the Garfield image. So if you’re asking, which cat breed resembles Garfield, this list is your best place to start.

Why Exotic Shorthair Is the Closest Match to Garfield

Many fans and experts agree: if one breed could truly be Garfield, it’s the Exotic Shorthair cat. These cats are the short-haired version of Persians. They have all the same features—cat breeds with flat faces, droopy eyes, and thick bodies—without the long fur. That’s why people often ask, do Exotic Shorthairs look like Garfield?

Even their personalities match. Exotic Shorthairs love naps, attention, and treats. They’re friendly but not needy. Many owners also say they’re the best low-maintenance cats among purebreds. So yes, are Exotic Shorthairs low maintenance? Absolutely. That’s why they’re the top pick when choosing a Garfield-inspired cat.

Do Garfield-Like Cats Have a Similar Personality?

Garfield is infamous for being harsh, sassy, and a food lover. Well, do real-life Garfield-esque cats have the same personality? Yes—many do. Some breeds, such as the British Shorthair, are notoriously relaxed and mellow. Arriving at the question of are British Shorthairs are, then yes is the answer, so are they, a resounding yes then.

The Persian cat breed is also one of the favorites. They do not like changes of places, prefer quiet homes, and love snuggling in warm places. So when one asks the question, are Persian cats like Garfield, the answer is dead on the dot. These cats are peaceful and comfortable and are not physically active either, so they are ideal in case you want to have the real-life Garfield.

Do Garfield Cats Really Hate Mondays? Fun Facts & Pop Culture

Garfield’s hatred for Mondays became a joke that spread across the world. But do Garfield cats really hate Mondays? Not exactly, but the idea is fun. Real cats don’t track weekdays, but some do show annoyance when their routine is broken—especially the lazy cat breeds that enjoy consistency.

Garfield’s love for lasagna and naps made him a symbol of the modern couch potato. He appears in everything from lunchboxes to Halloween costumes. In fact, many people now refer to orange cats in general as “Garfields,” showing how strong his image is in pop culture. He’s not just a comic cat—he’s a lifestyle.

Health & Grooming Tips for Garfield-Like Cats

Real-life Garfield cats have thick bodies and love food. This means they can gain weight quickly. So, do Garfield cats gain weight easily? Yes. Many cats that gain weight easily come from breeds like the Exotic Shorthair or Persian. Obesity can lead to heart problems, joint pain, or diabetes.

To avoid this, you need a feeding schedule and portion control. Also, these breeds may need regular brushing, especially cats with plush coats. Learning how to care for Garfield-like cats means understanding their breed, keeping them active, and giving them the right food. Regular vet checkups are a must.

Choosing the Right Garfield-Lookalike Cat for Your Lifestyle

Not every Garfield-style cat fits every home. Some, like the Turkish Angora cat, are playful and need space. Others, like the Munchkin cat characteristics, include short legs but big energy. So, can Munchkin cats be orange tabbies? Yes, and they often are.

You need to think about your space, time, and lifestyle. Want a cuddler? Go for the British Shorthair breed. Need quiet? A Persian cat breed may be perfect. Ask yourself, what’s the best breed for a Garfield-like pet? Use this table to compare.

Final Thoughts: Is a Garfield Cat Right for You?

Bringing home a Garfield-inspired cat is fun, but it takes care and understanding. Whether you love the looks, the laziness, or just want a snuggly orange tabby, there’s a perfect match out there. The real answer to what kind of cat is Garfield might be: he’s any cat that steals your heart.

(FAQs)

What breed of cat is Garfield?

Garfield is believed to be a mix of the Exotic Shorthair cat and the Persian cat breed, both known for their round-faced cats and lazy nature.

What cat costs $5000?

High-quality Exotic Shorthair cats or champion Persian cat breeds from premium breeders can cost up to $5000.

What breed is a Filipino cat?

The common native cat in the Philippines is called a Puspin (short for Pusang Pinoy), which is a mixed, short-haired domestic cat.

What breed of cat is Nermal from Garfield?

Nermal appears to be a gray tabby kitten, likely inspired by the British Shorthair breed for his cute and cuddly look.

Why does Garfield hate Odie?

Garfield finds Odie’s cheerful energy annoying. Their opposite personalities—lazy cat breeds vs. hyper dogs—cause constant comic tension.