Internet Amazed by Real-life Ginger 'Garfield' Cat Standing Like a Human

An overweight orange cat dubbed the real life version of Garfield is turning heads with his uncanny resemblance to the animated feline favorite, and a bizarre ability to stand on his two hind legs.

However, his appearance on social media is proving divisive, to say the least.

Obesity among cats is as prevalent an issue as it is among their human carers and, in much the same way, research has highlighted how the issue is often linked to socio economic factors.

In a study conducted by Bristol University, scientists found overweight and obese cats were more likely to have little or no outdoor access and were also most commonly fed dry pet food.

But, while obesity among cats remains a source of concern, for some pet lovers there's still something irresistibly cute about the sight of a chubby, fluffy feline. Pop culture, in particular, is littered with examples of lovably tubby cats with arguably the most famous being the Monday-hating orange Persian Tabby Garfield, created by Jim Davis.

Having started life in a comic strip before moving on to an animated series and several feature films, Garfield and his aversion to work or effort of any kind is world famous.

So, it's hardly a surprise to see pet fans being drawn to a TikTok account chronicling the adventures of a cat bearing an uncanny resemblance to the iconic character.

However, it's not so much his resemblance to Garfield that is garnering attention but rather his ability to stand like a human. It's a skill that recently came to the fore in a video shared by the real_life_garfield, racking up over 815,000 views on TikTok.

In the clip, which is set to the dulcet tones of George Michael's "Careless Whisper" the would-be Garfield is filmed standing up by the back door of his owner's home.

"I found him doing what he usually does," the onscreen caption reads. "Standing and being a weirdo." The video shows the orange cat, standing solemnly by the door looking into the middle distance, like a bouncer outside a nightclub, with his paws poised either side of him.

The cat appears completely at ease with his unusual stance.

Shared online alongside the hashtag "weird," while this particular cat may be more oddball than furball, he's nevertheless proving popular on social media.

"He's the in real life Garfield," Cj2Lucky87 declared. Vikingsgirl79 agreed: "That's cute and hilarious," with shell_laura_85 adding: "oh my he is adorable."

Others, however, weren't quite so enamored by the cat's appearance.

Tracyaw1 claimed the cat was likely standing up "because he probably has difficulty breathing or his spine hurts so it's more comfortable that way," adding that the "poor thing needs a diet."

Robin Impastato agreed, writing: "Maybe he's too uncomfortable to have any other position that poor thing."

Jojo Schumacher, meanwhile, commented: "Please help your cat and take it to the Vet because this is very sad to see and it's not healthy or fair to the cat."

The orange cat's owner dismissed these accusations though, telling one critic: "The angle that he stands makes him look bigger than he is! He's very comfortable."

Aside from those concerned remarks, most appeared happy to revel in the hilarity of the clip. Jpaullitt said the cat was like "an orange Buddha," while Sven Goodwin283 said it looked "like he's waiting for someone to take his order." Williambulldogger was similarly captivated, writing: "Look at that distinguished gentleman."

Newsweek has contacted real_life_garfield for comment.