Cats Take To The Catwalk As The Algonquin Hotel
Alice De Almeida, Executive Assistant at the Algonquin Hotel in NYC, joins Jon Patch to talk about their Cat Fashion Show & Animal Fundraiser. A group of feline fashion “mewdels” took to the runway (held safely in the arms of their owners) in one-of-a-kind outfits designed by certified animal fashion designer Ada Nieves, in celebration of Hamlet VIII, The Algonquin Cat, the hotel’s famous feline resident.
BIO:
For many years the history of The Algonquin Cat was believed to have its origins in the 1930’s, when a hungry stray cat came wandering into the hotel for food and water. After the hotel acquired an out-of-print book written by the hotel’s first general manager, Frank Case, a chapter was discovered about a cat named Billy. Based on the timeline of the book, the hotel is now proud to say the lineage of The Algonquin Cat dates back to the early 1920's. Two days after Billy passed, another stray cat wandered into the hotel and The Algonquin welcomed Rusty. The famous classical actor, John Barrymore, was a resident at the time in the early 1930's, and Rusty was renamed Hamlet in his honor. Hamlet is said to have been Barrymore's greatest stage role. The hotel has had a total of 12 cats, including Billy. The lineage includes eight Hamlets and three Matildas. Each cat that has reigned at The Algonquin has been a rescue. The current Hamlet began his residence in July 2017 with short visits with guests until he became comfortable in his surroundings. In fact, Hamlet has become so personable and engaging with guests that he has earned the nickname, “Hammy”. He loves a good nuzzle behind the ears and is curious about everything and everyone.
Today, Hamlet is looked after by the hotel’s Chief Cat Officer, Alice De Almeida. The hotel’s executive chef cooks him special meals on holidays. He receives fan mail and gifts constantly, from around the world. He has recently been the subject of a painting that hangs above the Front Desk, by New York artist Marcus Pierno.