When Garfield, Jon, and Odie are on stage at the national competition, they are said to have come from "Muncie, Indiana" - the real life home of Garfield creator Jim Davis. He lives and writes the strip in Muncie, and also studied art and business at Ball State University there.
Desiree the Classical Cat is named for the show's composer Desirée Goyette, who also provides the character's voice.