NYC's 'Bodega Cats' May Soon Be Legal After 13,000-Signature Petition

Who is the most valuable employee at a New York City corner store? The answer might not be human. It's the cat sleeping on the chip aisle, the so-called 'Bodega Cat.' More than just a furry mascot, these felines are now at the center of a bill before the New York City Council.

For years, NYC's bodegas—its friendly neighborhood delis—have served as havens for stray cats. They've since become local celebrities and a genuine attraction for customers, thanks in large part to social media accounts like 'Bodega Cats of Instagram,' which helped the phenomenon go global.

Adorable and Practical 'Staff'

Bodega cats serve a dual purpose: they offer a dose of adorableness to customers while providing free, effective rodent-control services to shop owners. In a June 2025 interview with the New York Times, 'Shop Cats' creative producer Drew Rosenthal said they were already a ubiquitous presence when he moved to Brooklyn in 2017.

Despite their popularity, the cats have existed in a legal gray area, as the current New York City health code prohibits keeping live animals inside stores.

How 13,000 Signatures Moved City Hall

A grassroots effort aims to change that. According to NYCity NewsService, a petition launched by the group Bodega Cats of New York gathered more than 13,000 signatures, catching the attention of City Hall. This past November, the City Council proposed a bill that would formally permit shop owners to keep these felines. The bill also includes provisions for free vaccinations, spaying, and neutering.

Dan Rimada, the creator of Bodega Cats of New York, highlighted the practical benefits. He noted that cats solve the problem of destroyed inventory and contaminated food without using poison or traps. He also pointed to an economic upside, stating one deli on Second Avenue draws $400 per day in extra foot traffic. “People come for the cat, then buy something. That is not sentimental. That is a business calculation,” he said.