As of 2024, The Algonquin Hotel in Midtown Manhattan has been the home to 12 cats residing within its legendary walls since the 1930s, including eight Hamlets and three Matildas. Each cat who has reigned at The Algonquin has been a rescue, with the current Hamlet VIII beginning his residence in September 2017, when Matilda III retired and was adopted by a member of the hotel’s staff.

The Algonquin adopted the current Hamlet from Bideawee in Wantagh, Long Island, where he resided after being found as a stray living in a feral cat colony. Hamlet sports the signature Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) “eartip,” which signifies that he has been neutered. Very popular with hotel guests, The Algonquin Cat receives fan mail and gifts from all around the world.

For many years, The Algonquin Hotel opened its doors to celebrate its special feline resident with a party, cat fashion show, and adoption event. Between 2014 and 2019, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals was the beneficiary of this fun celebration.