Matilda, the Algonquin Hotel Cat
On Wednesday, August 8, 2012, the Algonquin Hotel hosted a housewarming party to raise money for a local New York City animal charity, NY SAVE. The reception showcased Matilda and her cat friends in kitty couture in her newly, multi-million dollar renovated hotel home. Earlier in the day, there were also on-site adoptions from Bide-A-Wee.
The Algonguin has tradition of a cat living on premises.
After a scruffy cat wandered into the hotel searching for food and shelter in 1930, there has been one ever since. The current resident, Matilda, is very popular with guests. Her appointed cat watcher, Alice De Almeida, Executive Assistant to the General Manager takes care of Matilda, keeps up with general correspondence and plans her celebrity appearances.
But when I arrived at the hotel for the festivity, she was nowhere to be found. She checked out early and left her feline friends and fans downstairs to party amongst themselves.
The highlight of evening was a fashion show of cats strutting their stuff on the cat walk. Feline designer, Carla Reiss of Meow Wear, dressed cat models in dresses, headwear and in one case, clothing fit for royalty with a crown. Cat ladies, other fans and media snapped pictures of the cats that didn’t look happy with the large crowd surrounding them.
Charlotte Reed (r) and Sandy Robbins with feline models.
I brought Matilda a birthday present. I gave her a Pet Socialite Events bag stuffed to the brim with Feline Greenies, World’s Best Cat Litter coupons and some organic toys from Honest Pet Products.
When the party was over, I got a departing gift. The gift bags were provided by Purina’s Fancy Feast. In it was a framed picture of Matilda to remind of just what a star she is. Perhaps, it’s best to send a written request and ask for a private audience with the Queen Cat of New York.
Posted by Charlotte Reed
on August 27, 2012. Filed under COLUMNS,Tyler’s Pet Corner.
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