5 cat facts for kids from Garfield

Grumpy yet loveable cartoon cat Garfield is popular with older and younger cat lovers across the world. As well as having a few traits cat owners can identify with – eg a hatred of Mondays – Garfield also gets a few of our real-life cats’ quirks spot on too.

Here are a few tips the fictional ginger feline can teach kids about cats.

1. Stick to a healthy diet 

Garfield may enjoy such delicious snacks as pizza and lasagne, but it’s clear that his carb-rich diet has left him a little on the tubby side. To make sure your own moggy can still fit through the cat flap, it’s best to steer clear of Italian favourites and feed them a nutritious cat food instead – they’ll be much healthier and happier in the long-run! Find more advice on what to feed your cat here.

2. Be an alarm clock 

Many cat owners will be able to sympathise with Garfield’s owner Jon, as he gets woken up by his fuzzy companion in often abrupt and undignified ways. This can be a common behaviour in cats, as they’re usually most active at dawn and dusk. If you’d prefer a lie in, watch our video for advice on discouraging your cat from giving you an early wakeup call.

3. Seek out a comfy box 

After a busy day getting up to all sorts of adventures, Garfield loves nothing more than slumping into a cosy cardboard box for a nap. Cats love boxes because they provide a safe and secure place to hide away from the world, so make sure you provide them with a few options to hide away in. If you add a comfy blanket then they’ll love you even more! Learn more about why cats hide in our video.

4. Get plenty of sleep 

Whether in a box or on his owner Jon’s bed, Garfield loves a long snooze, and he’s not the only one. Many cats can sleep for up to 16 hours a day, making sure they have plenty of energy to get up to all sorts of antics during the remaining eight. Of course, their love of sleeping can mean that you’ll find them napping in a variety of surprising places and positions. Find out more about cats and sleep here.

5. Make a furry friend 

Garfield may not always get along with his canine pal Ogie, but that doesn’t mean that cats and dogs can’t be good friends. The secret to a peaceful pet friendship is a slow and steady introduction. For advice on how to do this, read our step-by-step guide. If only Jon had followed our advice!

Go to our cat help and advice hub for more information about cats and their behaviours.

You can find more cat facts for kids on our education website.