The Algonquin Hotel in New York City has a long-standing tradition of “employing” a resident cat known as “The Algonquin Cat.”
The unique tradition dates back to the 1930’s, when the hotel took in a stray cat named Billy who wandered into the lobby. Since then, the hotel has had seven Hamlets and three Matildas. All of the Hamlets at the Algonquin have been orange tabbies, and all of the Matildas have been ragdolls.
The current cat in residence is an orange tabby named — surprise! — Hamlet. He’s the eighth of his namesake and the eleventh Algonquin Cat. Hamlet, who was adopted by the Algonquin at the age of one, came from a feral colony in Long Island. He’s the hotel’s first male mascot in over 40 years.
Manager Alice de Almeida describes Hamlet as a cat with a lot of “purrsonality” and says he loves exploring every nook and cranny of the hotel. He even knows how to open the drawer where his “t-r-e-a-t-s” are stored!
Most importantly, Hamlet is cut out for his job: according to de Almeida, he loves people!