When you stop and think about it, it makes perfect sense.

This comic speaks to the exact nature of cats that this theory speaks to. Garfield actually cares, but as a cat, it's his nature to be elusive and appear distant. He enjoys the attention but knows that it's also his appeal to be aloof.

This comic is definitely a strange strip in the Garfield canon, but it does address that Garfield is capable of love. It also speaks to the nature of cats often only wanting affection when no one seems eager to give it to them.

The two-ships-missing-each-other-in-the-night relationship that cats have with their owners is a two-way street. Garfield's happy to be affectionate, but often only when Jon seems cold or disinterested.

Even in this seemingly sweet strip, he's showing Jon affection when he needs it but is unwilling to give it of himself. He cares for Jon but isn't willing to show him when Jon needs it.

Garfield here is more than happy to accept from Jon, especially since it doesn't require Garfield to be affectionate with Jon. The teddy bear is again used as a symbol or proxy for affection between them.

But in the end, he's a cat. He's a social animal who loves his pack.

And as long as he has his pack, he's whole.