We Were There: Cat Fashion Show at the Algonquin Hotel

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!

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on August 12, 2010 1:34 PM

Comments [rss]

Leslie Garcia Puentes

LOL!

miranda case

Thanks guys, I seriously did not expect the "Last-minute Feline Hair Stylist" award this year. It was a blast! Marisa Case will be proud, she helped out on the "pipe-cleaner" crimp job!!

valeriob

Great job Katie and Gothamist - this made Neatorama :)

Jason

I don't think I've seen so many pissed-off cats in one place. I hope they gnaw on your necks when you're asleep, you nazis.

MamaPit

Nothing says "HUMILIATION" like a cat in a dress or a goofy hat. Poor babies!

webe

What rotten treatment of these poor cats, only for the amusement of mindless humans.

Heather

ABUSE

greeen

ugh every one of these cats looks pathetic and miserable, and sorry, the fashions are um, stupid? just look at their expressions-- says it all.

Cannibal

Cats, unlike dogs, will eat their owner's corpse if they die in the house and leave no food.

Real talk, kitty will eat your dead body.

blueruin

"We Were There".

Given that, you should have done something to stop this.

smussy

someone posted this on my facebook ... i am from chicago and i normally read Chicagoist. i love cats and have one of my own, but dressing them up like that is weird and ack. i don't get it and i can't imagine they like it at. all. and no one can convince me otherwise. cats have clothing. it's called fur.

toysbyus

Everyone should know that my talented wife and cat lover, Carla Reiss, designed and fabricated all of these costumes as part of her company, Meow-Wear.......it's so sad that the power behind these costumes was totally ignored.

See her work at www.mymeow-wear.com

As designers, we seem to always be stuck in the background while others get the accolades.........

It would be nice (and very gratifying!) if the media would credit the people who give us these fantastic visions.

I love you, Carla! You, my dear, are so freaking talented!!!

Steve

jles

This is the creepiest post ever. Cats are fucking gross.

HowToEarnCashOnline

some sort of avatar cat!

Jen S

My cat is currently attacking the shadow of the oscillating fan!

youngpro

so it's ok for these losers to show off animals dressed in costumes, but not ok for ringling bros?

Cat-toure

Happy Birthday Matilda. We tried getting in last night, but it was sold out. It looked like a great crowd: http://www.cat-toure.com

mangell

So that's where all the single ladies are. And that's where they will remain.

Guest

I own a ragdoll and she is the sweetest, most adorable and loving cat I've ever encountered. Most cats are very stand offish around people, but mine approaches everyone that comes into my apartment as if they are best friends.