Nermal

The grey tabby who claims to be the world's cutest kitten and drives Garfield to violent retaliation.

Nermal is a grey tabby kitten, notably smaller than most of his kind, who serves as Garfield's self-proclaimed arch-rival and the main antagonist of the franchise. Nermal is defined by his delusional confidence, frequently referring to himself as "the world's cutest kitten." This specific trait triggers an intense, often violent reaction from Garfield, who harbors a deep-seated hatred for the small cat. Unlike other characters who may have complex motivations, Nermal's primary function is to annoy Garfield through his sheer existence and self-aggrandizement.

Quick Facts

Species: Grey tabby cat
Fur color: Grey
Primary role: Main antagonist; Arch-rival

Lore & Background

Nermal's interactions with Garfield follow a predictable but explosive pattern. His persistent annoyance usually results in Garfield retaliating through physical assault, including strangulation, severe beating, and throwing him through doors. A recurring running gag involves Garfield mailing Nermal to Abu Dhabi; he has performed this action well over a dozen times over the decades. Despite these violent outbursts, Nermal was initially introduced as a stray kitten that Jon brings home before becoming a frequent visitor to the main household.

In various adaptations, his appearance shifts: in the live-action movie "Garfield: The Movie," he is portrayed as a Siamese cat residing in the neighborhood rather than a grey tabby. His role remains consistent across media as the primary foil who tests Garfield's patience, though he is not truly evil, simply an unavoidable source of irritation for the orange tabby.

Reader's Guide

Nermal is characterized by his self-proclaimed title as "the world's cutest kitten" and his status as Garfield's arch-rival. He first appeared on September 3, 1979. Key traits include his small size, grey tabby coloring (in the comics), and a personality that relentlessly provokes Garfield. His relationship with Jon is neutral to positive, whereas his relationship with Garfield is strictly adversarial. Fans should note that while Garfield's reactions are extreme—ranging from strangulation to mailing him abroad—Nermal remains unbothered. In "Garfield: The Movie," he appears as a Siamese cat voiced by David Eigenberg. In animated series like "The Garfield Show" and films such as "Garfield Gets Real," he is voiced by Jason Marsden, while in the original "Garfield and Friends," Desirée Goyette provided his voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Nermal in the Garfield series?

He is a tiny white kitten recognized as the most adorable feline who frequently visits Jon Arbuckle's home. Despite his small size, he acts as one of Garfield's most persistent rivals by provoking extreme anger.

Is Nermal still active in the comic strip?

He is still alive and continues to show up irregularly in the published comics. His status remains independent, though he often intrudes on Jon Arbuckle's household for visits.