Posted: August 4, 2008 2 a.m. EDT
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| Matilda, the Algonquin Hotel's famed resident cat, rests on a luggage cart. |
Break out the catnip; it’s time for the Algonquin Hotel’s famed resident cat, Matilda, to celebrate her 13th birthday. The cat, affectionately known as Miss Tillie around the lobby of the historic New York hotel, welcomes special party guests Elvis the Supermodel Savannah cat and North Shore Animal League of America to this year’s event.
The birthday reception features a feline fashion show with designs provided by Meow Wear, and the models are courtesy of the Westchester Cat Show, which named Matilda as their Cat of the Year in 2006 in recognition of her fundraising efforts for felines less fortunate than herself, said spokeswoman Leslie Masson.
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| Elvis the Supermodel Savannah cat will serenade Matilda. |
This year’s gala benefits North Shore, which will have its mobile adoption unit onsite. Two of North Shore’s rehabilitation cats (cats that visit nursing homes) will participate in this year’s “Cat Walk Extravaganza,” Masson said.
New York City radio personality Christine Nagy of 106.7 FM will be the celebrity emcee for the fashion show. Cats participating in last year’s fashion show were dressed in pirate costumes and ball gowns.
Party highlights also will include a mix of special Purrr-tinis, as well as a serenade for Matilda by Elvis the cat. The event takes place Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008, at the Algonquin Hotel’s Round Table Room.