In what may be the most delightful update to the city’s street-corner scene in years, the New York City Council is moving to grant legal status to the ubiquitous “bodega cats” that patrol countless neighbourhood shops across the Big Apple. The bill, introduced by Keith Powers (East Side/Midtown Manhattan), would not only officially legalise these feline employees, but also launch a free vaccination, spay/neuter and health-care programme for bodega-resident cats.
The push comes from advocates who say these cats are more than just cute mascots—they serve a practical role by keeping rodents at bay in small food stores. “Bodega cats embody the New York spirit: Friendly, welcoming, and anti-rat”, Powers remarked, adding that it’s time these four-legged guardians were removed from legal limbo.
The bill, formally known as Intro. 1471, would require city-funded vaccination and spay/neuter services for cats registered under the programme.
Support from the public has been strong. An advocacy group, Bodega Cats of New York, led a petition gathering more than 13,000 signatures pushing for legal recognition and veterinary-care access. Shop-owners themselves, many of whom have shared space with resident cats for years, might now find the animals legitimised rather than tolerated.
There’s also a wider benefit beyond charm: By spaying and neutering these cats, the bill aims to curb stray and feral-cat populations that often surround bodegas and burden rescue services. As Rimada of the advocacy group put it: “If we don’t address that piece, we’re just going to add to the overpopulation pressures rescue workers have struggled with for decades.”
If passed, this move would formalise a small but beloved part of New York City life—giving the silent shop-floor cats their long-awaited moment in the spotlight. Stay tuned for whether the measure clears the next hurdles.
