Bodega Cats of New York
This website introduces the upcoming 'Bodega Cats of New York' book, a photographic and narrative tribute to the city's iconic feline residents. It also highlights an active campaign to legalize these 'working cats' by addressing outdated sanitary codes in New York City. The HN community likely appreciates this blend of local culture, animal advocacy, and a charming, quirky project.
The Lowdown
The 'Bodega Cats of New York' project celebrates the ubiquitous and beloved felines that inhabit New York City's corner stores, showcasing their vital, often overlooked, roles within these establishments. This initiative centers around an upcoming book and extends into advocacy and related cultural ventures. * The core offering is a forthcoming book, 'Bodega Cats of New York,' slated for release in October 2026, featuring 120 photographs and over 60 stories about these unique 'working cats.' * It highlights various roles these cats play, from pest control ('territorial ones who clear basements') to customer relations and local legends ('Jimmy of Second Avenue, who runs his block like a seasoned manager'). * The project actively advocates for the legalization of bodega cats, which currently exist in a legal gray zone due to state sanitary codes that ban animals in food establishments. * Two legislative bills, Int. 1471 in the NYC City Council and A08341 in the State Assembly, are in committee, propelled by over 14,000 petition signatures, aiming to resolve this legal issue. * Beyond the book and advocacy, the project offers commercial partnerships for brands to place products in real bodegas and promotes 'Cats About Town Tours,' a sister company offering walking tours about NYC's historical working cats. Overall, the 'Bodega Cats of New York' website acts as a hub for celebrating, documenting, and protecting an endearing and integral part of NYC's urban fabric, blending cultural appreciation with legislative action.