Matilda, the Ragdoll Cat
The Algonquin Hotel, New York City

Matilda, the 15-year-old Ragdoll cat who resides at the 174-room literary landmark Algonquin Hotel in New York City, may be the Lady Gaga of her species—see how she loves to strike a pose! Her annual birthday party (August 11) is the kitty equivalent of Truman Capote's Black and White Ball, and usually benefits one of Matilda's favorite animal rescue charities (in honor of the original Algonquin cat, Hamlet, who wandered in from the streets in the late 1930s). Although this blue-eyed beauty favors human guests and, truth be told, can sometimes be a little aloof around furry ones, she never ignores her fans: With the help of her human assistant, Alice De Almeida, Matilda checks her e-mail compulsively, updates her Facebook status, and even sends out gossipy Tweets.

Petiquette: The Algonquin Loves Pets Program includes a "purrrsonalized" welcome letter for cats and dogs and an insider's guide to pampering your pet Matilda-style in New York City. Each pet's room is prepped with food and water bowls, floor mats, a litter box, and other essentials. With a little advance notice, the hotel concierge can arrange for specialty foods, favorite toys, grooming appointments, and pet nannies, so neither you nor your pet needs to lift a paw during your stay.

The Algonquin Hotel
New York City, New York
Tel: 212 840 6800
Rooms start at $329; there is no additional charge for pets

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