New York City ’s cherished “bodega cats,” the furry residents of corner shops and are adored by locals are technically breaking the law.
These cats, often spotted lounging in windows, patrolling shelves, or charming customers, live in stores that sell food, which is a clear violation of state law. According to New York State regulations, most animals are banned from food-selling premises. Shopkeepers found with feline companions risk hefty fines if their pet is caught snoozing next to a stack of crisps or tins of tuna.
The legal grey area has sparked renewed debate after an online petition urging city officials to protect bodega cat owners from fines gained traction, quickly amassing more than 10,000 signatures, AP reported.
However, enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
In a statement, the department said it prioritised food safety compliance but emphasised that inspectors aim to work collaboratively with store owners, offering educational guidance and corrective timelines before issuing fines.
For many New Yorkers, the cats do more than just brighten up their local shop — they serve a practical purpose. Fans argue they help control pests like rodents and cockroaches. But for some bodega owners , the feline residents are more than pest control — they’re part of the brand.
In Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a fluffy grey-and-white cat named Mimi has become something of a local celebrity. A video of her posted on TikTok has racked up over 9 million views. Sydney Miller, the customer behind the viral clip, said the moment led to an unexpected friendship with Mimi’s owner, Asam Mohammad, a Yemeni immigrant who arrived in the US just a few years ago.
“Ultimately, the cats are a symbol of community building and the special, unique type of connection that happens in a city like New York,” said Miller, a poet and digital content producer.
Mimi’s offspring are now stars in their own right. Her white-furred kitten Lily is a big hit with customers, and another, Lionel, lives just a few doors down at a second bodega run by Mohammad’s cousin.
“Before, it’s Mimi, but now all of them are famous,” Mohammad told AP. “He’ll play with anybody.”
On a recent evening, Mohammad’s cousin, Ala Najl, who was fasting for Ramadan, passed the time before sunset by playing with Lionel. Using his red prayer rug as a toy, he engaged the playful cat in a spirited tug-of-war.
“Yes, he helps me for that,” Najl said with a smile, grateful for the distraction from hunger pangs.
Elsewhere in the neighbourhood, bodega owner Salim Yafai said his cat, Reilly, has fans of his own. One regular customer even offered to buy him.
“I said $10,000. He said $1,000. I said, ‘No,’” Yafai laughed.
Though on the wrong side of the law, for many New Yorkers, these bodega cats are a part of the city and worth fighting for.
These cats, often spotted lounging in windows, patrolling shelves, or charming customers, live in stores that sell food, which is a clear violation of state law. According to New York State regulations, most animals are banned from food-selling premises. Shopkeepers found with feline companions risk hefty fines if their pet is caught snoozing next to a stack of crisps or tins of tuna.
The legal grey area has sparked renewed debate after an online petition urging city officials to protect bodega cat owners from fines gained traction, quickly amassing more than 10,000 signatures, AP reported.
However, enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
In a statement, the department said it prioritised food safety compliance but emphasised that inspectors aim to work collaboratively with store owners, offering educational guidance and corrective timelines before issuing fines.
For many New Yorkers, the cats do more than just brighten up their local shop — they serve a practical purpose. Fans argue they help control pests like rodents and cockroaches. But for some bodega owners , the feline residents are more than pest control — they’re part of the brand.
In Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a fluffy grey-and-white cat named Mimi has become something of a local celebrity. A video of her posted on TikTok has racked up over 9 million views. Sydney Miller, the customer behind the viral clip, said the moment led to an unexpected friendship with Mimi’s owner, Asam Mohammad, a Yemeni immigrant who arrived in the US just a few years ago.
“Ultimately, the cats are a symbol of community building and the special, unique type of connection that happens in a city like New York,” said Miller, a poet and digital content producer.
Mimi’s offspring are now stars in their own right. Her white-furred kitten Lily is a big hit with customers, and another, Lionel, lives just a few doors down at a second bodega run by Mohammad’s cousin.
“Before, it’s Mimi, but now all of them are famous,” Mohammad told AP. “He’ll play with anybody.”
On a recent evening, Mohammad’s cousin, Ala Najl, who was fasting for Ramadan, passed the time before sunset by playing with Lionel. Using his red prayer rug as a toy, he engaged the playful cat in a spirited tug-of-war.
“Yes, he helps me for that,” Najl said with a smile, grateful for the distraction from hunger pangs.
Elsewhere in the neighbourhood, bodega owner Salim Yafai said his cat, Reilly, has fans of his own. One regular customer even offered to buy him.
“I said $10,000. He said $1,000. I said, ‘No,’” Yafai laughed.
Though on the wrong side of the law, for many New Yorkers, these bodega cats are a part of the city and worth fighting for.
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