As one of the world’s most famous felines you could say that Matilda the Algonquin Cat’s life has always been an open book. Now the rescued Ragdoll invites fans to read all about her daily routine as DirectFur of Guest Relations at a landmark Manhattan hotel in her eponymous tome, Matilda The Algonquin Cat.
Along with delivering the scoop on the current Matilda– who was discovered in a cardboard box with another abandoned kitty in 2010 and found her forever home at the hotel thanks to North Shore Animal League America, the 44-page picture book also leafs through the history of previous cats who have called The Algonquin home.
The Cats of The Algonquin
Over the years, the paws of 11 cats have promenaded through halls of The Algonquin, which was once a haven for the literary luminaries, critics, and bon vivants of the legendary Algonquin Round Table.
After Billy, who was the first stray who came to stay, the acclaimed actor John Barrymore began the tradition of deeming all male Algonquin cats “Hamlet” starting in 1932.
Seven of our purring pals from the past have been named after Shakespeare’s Prince of Denmark, while three females have had Matilda as their moniker.
Matilda III is also carrying on another Algonquin tradition of shining a spotlight on the option of pet adoption.
In 2016, the cat-friendly hotel celebrated with Matilda’s 10th annual Celebration and Cat Fashion Show. This year’s philanthropic feline fundraiser– which featured couture-conscious kitties, tasty noms and an auction of items including autographed posters based on Matilda’s new book– helped to raise more than $10,000 for The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, a non-profit which works with over 150 rescue groups and shelters to save the lives of New York City’s homeless companion animals.
Written by journalist Leslie Martini and illustrated by Massimo Mongiardo, Matilda The Algonquin Cat— a book written for ages 4 – 10, but can be enjoyed by cat lovers of all ages– is available in hardcover, paperback and in a Kindle edition.
Photo Credit: The Algonquin Hotel
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