Famous cat celebrates key anniversary

As one of the world's most famous cats, Garfield is turning 45.

Originally created by American cartoonist Jim Davis in 1978, the sarcastic and lasagna-loving feline character has spawned books, TV series and movies.

Currently, Paramount Global is celebrating the 45th birthday of Garfield, inviting various artisanal bakers to make birthday cakes for the iconic character.

Interestingly, one of the cakes was made by Gu Hong, a France-educated Chinese baker, and resembles the shape of shoutao (longevity peach), a symbolic pattern in China that is often used to wish those celebrating their birthday a long and healthy life.

Guo, also owner of the specialty dessert boutique Secret Sucre, said she feels thrilled to be part of the anniversary celebration. "I love Garfield because he knows all about good food and his attitude toward life is something we can easily identify with and learn from, which is to be easygoing and embrace yourself," said Guo.

Additionally, Garfield at Large — the first compilation book of Garfield comic strips originally published by Ballantine Books — will be reprinted in a limited edition with only 300 copies available.

A series of events will be held worldwide, including the Special Garfield Holiday: Let's Party Together exhibition in Haikou from June 22 to Aug 31, and the It's A Cat's Life exhibition in Hong Kong in July.