Matilda the Algonquin Cat Celebrates Homecoming with Annual Charity Event and Cat Fashion Show

Chiquita Banana Carmen Miranda

Last night for the second year in a row, I attended Matilda the cat's summer reception at New York City's legendary Algonquin Hotel. The annual soirée was part celebration of the hotel's famous resident feline, and also a charity event for a local animal welfare organization.

While last year's reception served as a debutante ball for the Ragdoll, this year was a welcome home party of sorts. Matilda III, who has resided at the Algonquin since 2010, has not had a year without hardship. Controversy erupted in November when the famous feline was forced out of the hotel's lobby after concerns were raised by the health department, and she was also temporarily displaced when the hotel closed for a 5-month, $18 million dollar renovation earlier this year.

Read More: On Location at Matilda the Algonquin Cat's Debutante Ball in NYC

Cat fanciers in attendance last night munched on crudités, wraps, and chicken skewers, while glasses of red and white wine flowed plentifully. As usual, a group of professional "MEWdels" (running the gamut from impossibly fluffy Persians to hairless Sphynx kittens) were on hand to model the fabulous, custom made Meow Wear fashions created by designer Carla Reiss. Pet lifestyle expert, author, and all around nice lady Sandy Robins hosted the event courtesy of Fancy Feast, while other celebrity guests included Randall ("Honey Badger Don't Care") who was reporting for Paw Nation, and Julie Klausner who provided commentary for The Daily Beast.

Raffle tickets could be purchased to win ultra-cool cat themed packages (which I sadly did not win), while all partygoers received custom made goodie bags, featuring a small picture of Matilda in a heart-shaped frame.

The bash benefited NY Save, an organization devoted to providing veterinary care for pet owners in need of financial assistance. Bideawee also attended the event, with several kittens who were up for adoption.

Matilda held court from the confines of her Sturdi cat carrier, but was not in the mood to come out and make a formal appearance. I went over to say hello and wish her well, to which she responded, "Meow!" (and according to this picture she posted on Facebook this morning, she had a very good time, indeed.)

The Algonquin Hotel has had a cat in residence since 1932 when owner Frank Case opened his doors to a traveling kitty, who never left in spirit. Matilda is the 10th Algonquin cat, and was adopted from the North Shore Animal League after her predecessor, Matilda II, retired from her post as Directfurr of Guest Relations at the age of 15. Guests from all around the world come to visit the iconic feline, and can even book her eponymous package, which reportedly includes a plush Matilda doll, and a CATabulous eye mask for “the best cat nap in town!”

One of the MEWdels gets a squeeze.

Prince Charming

Prima Ballerina

Julie Klausner gets cozy with some furry friends.

Baby Dragonfly

This dapper dude needed a break in between outfit changes.

She knows she looks fierce!

These ladies were showing off the Meow Wear, which was displayed on tiny hangers.

This Sphynx was clearly thrilled with his exotic, dragonfly print top.

Favorite cat. Best cat. It's also worth noting that this kitty did not move a muscle the.entire.night. And oh yeah, this Carmen Miranda is actually a boy! "He's a cross-dresser, and he loves Chick-fil-A," his owner joked.

Matilda the Algonquin Cat Celebrates Homecoming with Annual Charity Event and Cat Fashion Show

The Cat Came Back! Matilda Returns To The Algonquin Hotel After A 5-Month Absence

'Matilda' the hotel cat is back - New York Post

After a five-month absence, Matilda the cat has reclaimed her rightful title as Directfurr of Guest Relations at The Algonquin Hotel in New York City. The hotel, which has hosted ten resident felines since 1932, shuttered its doors on Jan. 1 for an $18 million renovation.

The cat's road back to the hotel has not been an easy one. Controversy erupted in November when a complaint to the New York City Department of Health yielded new regulations against the 4-year-old Ragdoll, who formerly had a full run of the fancy lobby. She was reportedly leashed behind the front desk for a day, before being fitted with a vibrating collar to keep her out of food-related areas. Word has it that the Algonqueen isn't too happy with the new arrangement, but hotel staffers, including her executive assistant, Alice de Almeida, are confident that she will adjust.

Matilda, who has lived at the historic hotel since being rescued from the North Shore Animal League in 2010, spent her well-deserved time off in Queens with de Almeida, her husband, and their three cats, Spitz, Buffy and Skipper. The diva didn't exactly get along with her feline housemates, although de Almeida tells The Post, "But she was given the best room in the house. It overlooked the garden.”

Welcome back, Matilda!

Via New York Post

The Cat Came Back! Matilda Returns To The Algonquin Hotel After A 5-Month Absence

Matilda Kicked Meowt of Algonquin Lobby, Health Department and Aggressive Guests To Blame

Matilda III

Over the past 80 years, New York City's Algonquin Hotel has played host to ten different feline residents, but now a new guideline from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has threatened to end the tradition, first started by then-owner Frank Case in 1932.

The kitty in question is Matilda III, a four-year-old Ragdoll cat who went from rags to riches when she was rescued by the North Shore Animal League and brought to live at the Algonquin late last year as the "Directfurr of Guest Relations." The hotel even celebrated her arrival with a Debutante Ball and cat fashion show that were held over the summer (You can read my full coverage of the event here). Instead of being given free range to wander throughout the hotel like the kitties that have come before her, Matilda was recently banned from the lobby, and relegated to being on a leash behind the front desk, or out-of-sight on a higher floor.

Algonquin General Manager Gary Budge suggests that the Health Department isn't the only culprit in the move, telling The New York Post, "People seem more aggressive toward her, and she's responded in a way that's not helpful." However, he also admitted, "The Health department in the past months suggested to us that pets in food-service facilities are no longer commingled."

Matilda could often be found napping in the hotel's lobby, which also doubles as a lounge called The Round Table Restaurant.

The move is a disappointing turn of events for fans who enjoy visiting with the iconic kitty, and count her as part of the Algonquin experience. I first encountered Matilda last February, shortly after she took up residence, and enjoyed sitting with the fluffy cat in the darkly lit lounge, while sipping on glass of her signature cocktail. While I'm happy to hear that she hasn't been evicted entirely, it's hard to say that it's not the end of an era for all of the cats whose presence is so ingrained in the hotel's history.

Via The New York Post / Image credit: Matilda the Algonquin Cat Facebook Page

Matilda Kicked Meowt of Algonquin Lobby, Health Department and Aggressive Guests To Blame

On Location at Matilda the Algonquin Cat's Debutante Ball in NYC!

The historic Algonquin Hotel in New York City is famous for many things, but the furriest of all is the cat who resides in the lobby and greets incoming guests. The tradition of a resident feline at the famed hotel began in the late 1930s, when a stray cat wandered in looking for food and shelter. Legend has it, the hotel's owner at the time welcomed in the wandering stranger, and as they say, the rest if hist-purry.

Since that time, ten lucky felines have called The Algonquin home (all the boys are named Hamlet, all the females are Matilda), and last year, Matilda II went out with a swinging 15th birthday soiree, before retiring to a "classic pre-war" apartment in Brooklyn after nearly 13 years of service. Before her departure, she sniffed out a suitable replacement, and found one in Matilda III, a pink-nosed Ragdoll who was adopted from the North Shore Animal League in Manhattan.

In lieu of the annual birthday bash that was typically thrown for Matilda II every August, which also serves as a benefit for the North Shore Animal League, this year the party was billed as a "Debutante Ball," where the four-year-old Matilda III was officially presented into high society.

Mýa was overtaken by the paw-parazzi

Last night, I had the privilege of mixing with New York City's feline elite at the star-studded event, hosted by pet lifestyle expert Sandy Robins, and Grammy award winning singer-songwriter and actress, Mýa. Esteemed guests were treated to scrumptious cat-approved fare such as tuna fish finger sandwiches, bacon wrapped sea scallops, and coconut shrimp hors d'oeuvres.

Beverage options

For $20, guests could purchase designer kitty cocktails, also benefiting the animal rescue organization. Options included scintillating selections such as Purrtinis, Pink Pussy Cats, and of course, the eponymous Matilda, consisting of Belvedere Ponaranza, Cointreau, lemon & orange juice, and a splash of Perrier Jouet (you can read about my experience trying one back in February here).

Matilda III being presented by her executive assistant, Alice de Almeida

The furry guest of honor was being a bit shy, and only made a brief appearance for the cameras, while donning an elegant royal purple cape, trimmed in white faux fur, silver braiding, and red hearts.

Meow Wear designer Carla Reiss posing with one of the MEWdels

In addition to the food, drinks, and celebrity guests, the highlight of the affair was the Meow Wear cat fashion show, presented by designer Carla Reiss.

The MEWdels

Sleepy Prince Charming

Elvis cruising along in his signature Pink Cadillac

While there were no Robert Pattinsons or Chiquita Bananas like in years past, this year's catwalk, starring MEWdels from the Westchester Feline Club, did feature a sleepy kitty Prince Charming, along with Elvis in his signature Pink Cadillac!

Cake by Adam Beckworth of A Little Somethin' Sweet

Of course, no social event of the season would be complete without a chichi cake, and there was one in the form a four-story fondant masterpiece, designed by Adam Beckworth of A Little Somethin' Sweet. The beautiful creation was clearly the work of a skilled artisan (it was decorated with white ruffles and pink roses, but sadly no cats!), but I can't comment on how it tasted, because it wasn't served to the guests!

All in all I had a wonderful time at the ball, and wish the new Matilda the best in her new post as "Directfurr of Guest Relations" at the Algonquin. If you ever get the chance to visit, make sure to stop by the lobby and say hello, or book the special Friends of Matilda package, where you will be treated to a welcome letter from the kitty herself, and a Matilda replica plush of your very own!

On Location at Matilda the Algonquin Cat's Debutante Ball in NYC!

Must Love Cats Episode 4 Recap & Resource Guide

Welcome back for the latest recap of the fourth installment of Must Love Cats! This week, host John Fulton hit the Northeast to meet a whole new slew of amazing kitties!

This time around, we got acquainted with the hard-working cats of New York City, met a special tabby who helped a U.S. Marine during a difficult time in her life, and caught up with an impossibly fluffy show cat in New Jersey who showed us what it takes to be named "Best Kitten in Show."

Cat Fashion Show - NYC

Matilda, The Algonquin Cat

First stop this week was to the famed Algonquin Hotel in New York City for the birthday party of one of its most famous feline guests. Cats have been living at the Algonquin since the 1930s, and Matilda has been a staple in the lobby for the past 13 years. She recently retired her post over the summer, but her 15th birthday celebration in August was her last hurrah. John hosted the fabulous feline fashion show that was part of the bash, and despite appearances, fun was had by all. The charity event also raised funds for the North Shore Animal League, and eight cats were adopted out as a result of the festivities.

"He looks angry, but that's just the way they look."

The Algonquin Cat may lead the life of luxury as a permanent hotel guest (her main duties appear to be greeting guests and sleeping), but some city cats actually work hard for their catnip. John discovered some of the best mousers in NYC, who work daily to ensure that their assigned areas are rodent-free! We learn about some spunky feral cats that have become welcome guests in a city community garden, a cat named Monster who is gainfully employed by a Brooklyn Brewery, and "bodega cats" who evade the law to keep shop owners happy with their patented brand of in-house pest control.

(If you want more info, there's actually a Flickr photostream dedicated to capturing Bodega Cats on film, and you can read all about my recent trip to visit with the "new" Matilda here!)

***

Catskill, NY

Abby Cat Shirt - RC Tees, $20.00

Next up, John visited the kitty loving city of Catskill, NY. Not only does the town have "cat" in its name, it also celebrates felines with custom cat statues displayed all over the city. The unique attraction has has helped revitalize the local economy, by notably boosting tourism to downtown Catskill.

The 240 cat statues are painstakingly designed, and take hundreds of hours to create. Every Spring, new statues are put on display and auctioned off to support charities, including the local animal shelter.

Must Love Cats visits Catskill, NY

At the end of the segment, artist Kenny Rich presents John will an amazing custom designed Must Love Cats statue that took him four weeks to create! The cool creation included a suitcase, guitar, and even a set of wheels so John could take it on the go!

***

Plymouth Rock, MA

Plymouth, MA

John traveled to Plymouth Rock, where 400 years ago, the Mayflower brought the first cats to America. Kitties were part of the Mayflower crew and had the job of keeping down the rodent population, along with providing comfort to its passengers.

Fulton also stops by Plymouth Plantation, a detailed recreation of the first permanent English settlement, where we learn that cats helped prevent deadly plagues in the new world by killing rodents. We also discover that the American Shorthair cats we know today, are probably descendants of the domestic cats brought over by early English settlers.

***

United States Marine Kitty

Across the Potomac, John catches up with a dynamic orange tabby named Bert. The segment profiles Erin, a U.S. Marine whose unit suffered casualties after a combat mission in Iraq. Fortunately, she made it out alive, but experienced psychological distress as a result.

One day, while trying to pick herself up, Erin heard a meow and saw a yellow cat staring back at her. Miraculously, the little kitty with the glowing eyes brought her out of her funk, and helped her through her homesickness. While still stationed on the base, Bert kept returning to distract Erin from her sadness by demanding her attention. Unfortunately, Erin knew she would not be able to keep Bert after her tour of duty ended, and she called her Mother in a panic.

As if by fate, Erin's Mom told her about a program called Operation Baghdad Pups that worked to "reunite fighting men and women with the stray animals they fell in love with in Iraq." Erin immediately contacted the organization by email, not expecting a response, and was stunned to hear back from program manager, Terri Crisp almost immediately. Terri explained to John, "If they're willing to take the risk to fall and love and bring them to the U.S., there's a need to do this."

Terri says she gets around 10 requests a week for dog and cats, and to date, the group has rescued over 265 animals. The dangerous missions average around $4,000 each, as the animals must be transported to the airport by traveling down the world's most dangerous road in Baghdad. From there, they are flown to Kuwait, followed by Europe, before arriving in Washington, D.C.

Happy family!

Erin says that Bert has adapted well to his new home in America, and is happily sharing her home with her husband and their two other cats. It's clear that Bert's love and companionship helped Erin through a very traumatic time in her life, and it's heartwarming to see their bond still going strong!

***

Catios

Catio Construction Crew

What's a catio? Simply put, it's an enclosed outdoor patio for your cat, and as John explains, they're "all the rage" across NYC. The benefit of a catio, particularly to city kitties, is that it helps provide them with freedom and fresh air, without the danger of falling off a ledge (something vets refer to as high rise syndrome.)

With a visit to the city out of the way, John heads to Long Island to meet a woman who has a "deluxe sized catio for her deluxe sized cat," and then to Toms River, NJ to meet with a catio builder who helps people create their own outdoor kitty havens. Are you interested in building a safe, outdoor oasis for your own cat? Catios can be custom made to meet your kitties needs, and cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000.

***

NJ Cat Fanciers Show

John's first cat show

The final stop on our East Coast adventure took us to the Garden State Cat Fanciers' Association annual cat show in lovely Somerset, New Jersey.

It's an early morning for John, who wakes up in a hotel room to the soothing sounds of a meowing cat alarm clock before going to meet up with some special guests staying down the hall. He arrives at their room just in time to bathe their show cat, Star Rose, a six-month-old Persian kitten getting ready for her big day in the spotlight.

After lathering the tiny ball of fluff up in the bathtub with seven layers of conditioner, John and the cats owner's painstakingly blow dry her fur for the final show-stopping look.

Then, it's off to the CFA Garden State Cat Show, to check out an impressive assortment of 400 felines vying for titles of all kinds. While at the show, John has his face painted, participates in a feline agility exhibition, and watches on proudly as Star Rose is awarded "Best Kitten in Show" for being "the essence of the breed."

The Winner's Circle!

***

Don't forget to tune in to an all new episode of Must Love Cats this Saturday night at 8/7 P on Animal Planet, when John hits the Southwest and meets fun, fearless felines in Texas, New Mexico, and California!

P.S. If you're looking for even more information about any of the stories featured in this episode, check out the handy resource guide below!

MUST LOVE CATS

Website: http://animal.discovery.com/tv/must-love-cats/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mustlovecatsfanpage

(This page has great photo galleries from each episode, and is the source of all of the images from this post.)

NYC WORKING CATS
The Algonquin Hotel: http://www.algonquinhotel.com/algonquin-cat

Matilda Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matilda-The-Algonquin-Cat/51291379554

Matilda Twitter: http://twitter.com/algonqueen
Website for Monster the Brooklyn Brewery Cat: http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/

CATSKILL, NY
Website: http://www.cat-n-around.com/

PLYMOUTH CATS
Website: http://www.plimoth.org/features/mayflower-2/journey/felix.php

OPERATION BAGHDAD PUPS
Website: http://www.spcai.org/baghdad-pups.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7867558913

CATIOS

http://habitathaven.com/

CFA CATSHOW
Website: http://www.cfainc.org/Client/home.aspx

COOL CAT T-SHIRTS - DIRECTLY FROM THE CREATORS

http://www.etsy.com/shop/rctees (worn in the Catskill segment)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/paisleymagic

http://www.etsy.com/shop/gridelin

http://www.etsy.com/shop/namu

http://1aeon.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BucketArts

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sayitinsign

http://www.etsy.com/shop/loft45

Episode 1 - 3 recaps: http://www.catsparella.com/search/label/recap

Interview with Greg Krueger and The Fur Kids from the Midwest Episode: http://www.catsparella.com/search/label/the%20fur%20kids

***Do you want Must Love Cats host John Fulton to wear your cat t-shirt on an upcoming episode of Must Love Cats? If so, email Jess Ward at jward@powderhouse.net for more details.

Must Love Cats Episode 4 Recap & Resource Guide

Caturday Night Live!

Welcome to a very special edition of Caturday Night Live, with your guest host, Matilda the (sleepy) Algonquin Cat!

Today I was fortunate enough to attend the Pet Writing Conference in NYC, and meet up with Cat Blogosphere pals such as Ann Dziemianowicz (Careers For Your Cat and paper bag & string), Tamar Arslanian (I Have Cat), and Ingrid King (The Conscious Cat)!

After a long day of informative panels and discussions, Ann and me decided to take a short walk to the historic Algonquin Hotel to meet the new resident Algonqueen, Matilda III! If you remember, just last month it was announced that 15-year-old Matilda II had retired to "a classic pre-war apartment in Brooklyn," and was quietly replaced by a new "Directfurr of Guest Relations."

After entering the beautiful, newly renovated, and gloriously warm hotel lobby, we were quickly seated in the lounge area. After waffling over two drinks - the Pink Pussycat and the Matilda, I decided I had to respect the lady of the house by ordering her signature cocktail.

This is what a $20 drink named after a cat looks like

The pricey concoction features "Belvedere Ponaranza, Cointreau, Freshly Squeezed Lemon & Orange Juice, and a Splash of Perrier Jouet." It was delicious, kind of like Sprite and Orange Juice mixed together, with a kick. My taste buds are currently impaired due to a bad cold, but that will not stop me from proclaiming that the hotel also serves the most addictive snack mix ever (also pictured). Ann can back me up on this.

I eagerly asked our server where Matilda was, and he assured us she was on the premises. This was encouraging, yet slightly disappointing, as I still hadn't recovered from the fanciful vision I had of her sitting on a luggage cart by the door, anxiously awaiting my arrival at the hotel.

I made him promise to send her over before we left. A short time later, the man came back and pointed to a small, dark corner of the lounge where a gorgeous Ragdoll cat snoozed royally upon a velveteen cushion. I jumped up and ran over (I wish I could say this was an exaggeration, but sadly it's not), and interrupted the guests sitting near her to get a better look. The two women asked if I was a crazy cat lady, and I said, "I don't think so," despite authoring a cat blog and wearing a dress with silver sequined cats(!) on it at the time. They proceeded to ask me how many cats I had, and when I replied two, they quickly assured me that crazy cat ladies had at least ten cats. So there.

First glimpse! Is she sleeping, or just shielding herself from the papa-papa-razzi?

After the Matilda hogging patrons left, we hustled over to their open seats and tried to get some quotes from the still slumbering diva. She remained unmoved, and almost doll like. I had to get close to make sure she was still breathing! After confirming that indeed, she was, I did what any self respecting cat journalist would do; I got down on my knees and reached into her dark lair to get get a good pat! I gently stroked her head, and gave her an affectionate chin scritch for good measure.

Zzzzzzzzzz

She was sleeping almost the entire time, and barely opened her eyes, but we got a few glimpses of her face. I can confidently report that her fur is soft and silky like a rabbit, she has a little pink nose, and she possesses some of the he floofiest white kitty toes I've ever seen!

Towards the end of of our visit, a hotel employee came over and signaled it was time for her to eat dinner by tapping a spoon against an unopened can of Fancy Feast. Poor Matilda must have had a rough day entertaining hotel guests (like us), and even the siren song of the 'Feast couldn't rouse her from her slumber.

Ann and I spoke briefly of cat-napping her (now I will never be allowed into the Algonquin again!), before packing up and heading out into the frigid city night.

***

We now return you to your regularly scheduled Caturday programming! Put on your coziest jammies and prepare for cuteness overload when you meet Romeo, Buffy, and Calvin!

"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"

FIrst up, Amy writes in to tell us the tale of her little ladykiller, the stunning Romeo!

Amy writes, "Romeo, or "Romy" as he is sometimes called, is a seven year old Maine Coon who lives with me in Saint Petersburg, Florida. I first met him almost three years ago when he started hanging out at my father's university after his prior owner callously abandoned him, which shows that Romy is clearly an intellectual cat. Romy's interests include running bathtub faucets, open windows, and being an awesomely friendly cat."

I love big, burly Maine Coons, and Romy is no exception! Just in time for Valentine's Day, I'm ready to meet up with this kitty Casanova for a serious cuddle session! How can you deny the cuteness of this handsome boy's sweet little expression?

***

Next up, Chris from Germany gives us a peek at her marmalade colored cutie, named after the title character of one of my favorite television shows of all time - Buffy The Vampire Slayer! We've previously met two of Chris' other other cats, the ever-so-helpful, Bonni and Luna.

Chris writes, "This week, I have a pic from Buffy, my slayer cat, she loves water that's why she always hops into the sink when I am brushing my teeth...she only gets out after I let her drink some fresh water."

Get it, girl! This is one strong willed beauty who knows what she wants, and how to get it! Sarah Michelle Gellar would be proud!

***

And finally, we have another Catsparella first! Yes, that's right, this week I received my first ever "Caturday Response" email from Karen and her cat, Calvin.

If you remember, last week I featured Jo's ladycat Calvin, being a very good office assistant.

Karen writes, "Just saw the picture of the female Calvin being an office helper, so I had to share a pic of my male Calvin doing the same thing!"

Am I detecting a trend? Should I have a kitty face-off to determine the best "Feline Administrative Professional"? Karen, how many words can Calvin type per minute?

***

As always, very special thanks to everyone who made this week's Caturday post possible, including the fabulous staff of the Algonquin Hotel for putting up with our cat lady antics, and Amy, Chris, and Karen for sharing their divine felines with us!

If you ever want to pay Matilda a visit for yourself (maybe she will have woken up by then), The Algonquin Hotel is located on 59 West 44th Street in Manhattan.

***

Want to see your cat(s) on Catsparella? I'm looking for submissions for my weekly Caturday post! Email your best kitty pics to catsparella@gmail.com, and include the cat's name and anything else you'd like to add. I can't wait to hear from you!

Caturday Night Live!