Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
We Were There: Cat Fashion Show at the Algonquin Hotel
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 12, 2010
Modified Aug 13, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 35
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 12, 2010
Modified Aug 13, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Last night Matilda, the famous Algonquin Hotel cat, celebrated her 15th birthday—and we were there for total coverage. The party was held in the hotel's lobby and centered around a good ol' fashioned Cat Fashion Show—because what better way to celebrate than by making your feline friends dress up in ridiculous outfits and parade in front of humans? John Fulton, the host of Animal Planet’s new upcoming show Must Love Cats was on hand as the host—the show has been filming around the city all week for a NYC episode! When asked what his favorite costume was, Fulton told us, "Diva, the 4 month old rag doll, brought the crowd to a frenzy."
Our photographer Katie Sokoler pretty much sums up the scene, saying, "I felt emotionally confused the whole time because I thought the show was hilarious but at the same time I felt bad! Some of the cats were so nervous when they came out because the audience was popping camera flashes in their faces and screaming to the cats in baby talk." She also noted that the dressing room was equipped with a CD called "Relaxation music for my cat and me," so hopefully that helped them out.
At least one cat looked relaxed—the Savannah cat dressed as Elvis. Interesting tidbit: did you know Savannahs more than five generations from the Serval are allowed to be owned in New York state, but not in the city of New York?
Update: Want more Cat Fashion Show action? We have some outtake photos here!
Tagged
algonquin hotel
cat fashion show
cats
john fulton
matilda
Must Love Cats
we were there
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
NYC music in October: The Strokes, a Blink-182 cover band, and Polish experimentalism
An excellent and diverse month of concerts are in store for October.
By
Hank Shteamer
Published Oct 2, 2026
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Arts & Entertainment
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
In the mood for a pastoral autumn experience? Try Queens.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
October is spooky season at the movies in New York City
By
Emma Stefansky
At the Museum at FIT, an argument for dolls as the ultimate fashion influencers
By
Quinn Moreland
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .