New Yorkers unite to fight legal threat to bodega cats

New York City’s beloved “bodega cats” find themselves in a peculiar predicament: adored by locals but technically outlawed.

- CEDAR ATTANASIO JULIE WALKER

These feline fixtures, often seen basking in storefront windows or weaving through shelves, are technically violating state law, which prohibits most animals in food-selling establishments.

While bodega owners risk fines for harbouring their furry companions among the groceries, these cats have become integral to the city’s character. Their presence adds a touch of homeliness to the bustling urban landscape, offering a moment of quiet connection for customers amid the city’s frenetic pace.