Pictures From Matilda's Birthday Party at the Algonquin

Hotel owner Frank Case was an animal lover. So when a stray cat came through his doors in the early '30s, Frank welcomed him in with a champagne flute full of milk. Keeping with the tradition that Frank began back then, there have been many cats that called the Algonquin Hotel home, and each earned a sort of celebrity status — children's books have been penned about the frolicking felines!

Naturally, when current resident Matilda celebrates her birthday, you can expect a big bash. Benefiting North Shore Animal League, Matilda ushers in a new year alongside some fancy pants cats. Get my red carpet white tablecloth comments on the standouts and start the slideshow.