Uncovering the Feline Identity of Ferguson the Cat on New Girl
If you've spent any time watching the hit sitcom New Girl, you'll remember Ferguson Michael Jordan Bishop, Winston Bishop’s soulful, squish-faced feline companion. He isn't just a background prop; Ferguson anchors some of Winston’s strangest character arcs, from elaborate mourning rituals to miniature corporate marketing pitches. The real-life cat behind the character is an Exotic Shorthair, a breed known for its distinctive flat face, plush coat, and gentle disposition.
Understanding Ferguson's background requires looking past the fiction of the loft. While the show presents him as a moody, high-maintenance roommate, the actual animal actor and the breed's real traits reveal a fascinating behind-the-scenes story that catches many casual viewers off guard.
The Real Name, Breed, and Origin of Ferguson
The cat who plays Winston's pet answers to the real name of Furguson (often spelled Ferguson in promotional materials), and he belongs to professional animal trainer Cheryl Shawver of Animal Actors of Hollywood. He is a classic Exotic Shorthair, often described casually as a "lazy man's Persian" because they share the iconic Persian body type and flat face without the high-maintenance long hair.
Exotic Shorthairs were developed in the 1960s by crossing American Shorthairs with Persians. Breeders wanted to introduce the silver coat and sturdy build of the Persian into a short-haired package. The result is a compact, heavy-boned cat with large, round eyes and a sweet expression.
On screen, Ferguson's character traits are played for maximum comedic effect. Winston treats him like an equal roommate, dressing him up, feeding him human-adjacent foods in conversations, and holding a full memorial service when the cat eventually passes away in later seasons. In reality, animal actors undergo careful training to stay calm under bright studio lights and manage proximity to actors.
How Ferguson Shaped Winston’s Character Arc
Winston’s transformation from an erratic, unemployed former athlete into a nurturing, eccentric LAPD detective runs parallel to his relationship with Ferguson. When the cat is first introduced in Season 2, he belongs to Winston's on-again, off-again girlfriend Daisy. Winston initially resents the cat, suspecting Daisy of infidelity and viewing the animal as a rival for affection.
This dynamic shifts quickly. Once Daisy exits the picture permanently, Winston keeps Ferguson, triggering a deep bond.
- The roommate dynamic: Winston treats Ferguson as his primary confidant, discussing career ambitions, relationship failures, and police academy stress with him.
- The artistic phase: Winston creates miniature paintings and business concepts centered around Ferguson, establishing the character's unique pop-culture footprint.
- The legacy: Even after Ferguson's storyline concludes, his presence remains a defining pillar of Winston’s eccentric domestic identity in the loft.
For more background on how television networks handle animal talent, you can read guidelines from the American Humane Association. To dive deeper into sitcom character histories, check out details on IMDb.
Exotic Shorthair Care and Temperament Realities
Viewers who fall in love with Ferguson often wonder if owning an Exotic Shorthair matches what they see on television. While television exaggerates quirks, the breed has specific traits every prospective pet owner should anticipate.
Temperament and Activity Levels
Unlike high-energy breeds that climb curtains or dart across rooms, Exotic Shorthairs lean toward a laid-back lifestyle. They enjoy playing with interactive toys, but they prefer spending hours curled up on a lap. They don't typically handle long hours of isolation well, making them ideal companions for people who work from home or spend considerable time indoors.
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
Their plush, dense coat doesn't mat like a Persian's long hair, but they still shed. Weekly brushing keeps loose fur under control and prevents hairballs. Because of their flat facial structure, owners must clean their tear ducts regularly to prevent staining or skin irritation around the folds of the nose.
Common Misconceptions About Television Animal Actors
Audiences often assume that animals on television enjoy the exact lifestyle depicted in scripts, or conversely, that they are mistreated. Modern television production operates under strict oversight from animal safety representatives.
- Misconception: Animal actors live on set. Studio cats like Ferguson live with professional trainers and only visit sets for short, controlled working windows.
- Misconception: Cats are untrainable for TV. While training a cat requires patience and positive reinforcement using high-value treats rather than traditional obedience commands, professional animal handlers achieve remarkable consistency.
- Misconception: The fictional name is always the real name. While Ferguson's real name closely matches his television moniker, many animal actors respond to entirely different cues behind the scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cat is Ferguson on New Girl?
Ferguson is an Exotic Shorthair, characterized by his short plush coat, stocky build, and flat face.
Did the same cat play Ferguson throughout the entire series?
While production records indicate that animal casting can involve lookalikes for safety and scheduling, the primary cat portraying Ferguson was handled by professional trainers from Animal Actors of Hollywood.
Is Lamorne Morris (Winston) actually allergic to cats?
Yes, the actor who plays Winston has noted in interviews that he deals with real-life cat allergies, adding an extra layer of irony to his intense on-screen devotion to Ferguson.
What happens to Ferguson in the show?
Ferguson passes away of old age during the later seasons of the show, prompting a memorable memorial episode where the loft friends gather to celebrate his life.
