The cat was apparently there as part of a partnership between designer Tracy Reese and pet food brand Purina ONE — the brand is launching a new line of cat foods as well as an initiative promoting leash training.
"As a designer, I draw inspiration from everything around me, including cats," said Reese in a statement. "I loved the idea of incorporating cats into the runway show; cats have a lot of energy, which was the perfect complement to the models and my new line."
A rep for Purina ONE said the cat's name was Lily, and she was the very first cat to appear on the runway at New York Fashion Week.
