In New York City, bodega cats are seen as cherished mascots of the local convenience stores, yet they exist in a legal gray area. Residents and visitors alike have grown fond of these furry companions who patrol the aisles, bask in sun-drenched store windows, and delight in being petted by customers. Although they seem harmless, state law prohibits most animals from inhabiting establishments that sell food products, which could lead to fines for bodega owners if their feline friends are found too close to food items like tuna cans or household goods such as toilet paper.
The issue of these cats’ legality emerged anew following the circulation of an online petition, garnering over 10,000 signatures, calling on the city to exempt bodega owners from potential penalties. However, the enforcement of these regulations falls under the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which emphasizes the importance of food safety compliance. Their approach generally involves offering educational advice and solutions before resorting to financial penalties.
Advocates for bodega cats argue that these animals play a vital role in keeping establishments clean by discouraging local pests like rats and cockroaches. Moreover, some store owners claim the cats are a magnet for customer attention and contribute significantly to their business’s charm and operational appeal.
For instance, Mimi, a fluffy gray and white cat residing in a Greenpoint, Brooklyn bodega, gained increased fame after a TikTok video featuring her drew over 9 million views. The video uploader, Sydney Miller, commented on how the feline sensation strengthened her connection with Mimi’s owner, Asam Mohammad, a Yemeni immigrant relatively new to the United States. Miller believes bodega cats like Mimi represent community bonds and the unique relationships fostered within a lively city like New York.
Mimi’s progeny, including a playful kitten named Lily, has won over customers with her amicable nature. “He’ll play with anybody,” said Mohammad, noting Lily’s rise to fame alongside her mother. Another kitten, Lionel, has moved to a nearby bodega run by the same family and serves not just as a furry face but also a source of comfort and joy for patrons and staff.
For instance, on a recent evening, Mohammad’s cousin, Ala Najl, engaged Lionel in a spirited game during his fast for Ramadan, finding solace and distraction from hunger through this playful interaction. “Yes, he helps me for that,” Najl reflected.
In a separate Greenpoint store, shopkeeper Salim Yafai boasts about his cat Reilly’s popularity, to the extent that a longtime customer once offered to purchase him. “I said $10,000. He said $1,000. I said, ‘No,’” Yafai recounted, underscoring the invaluable role these cats play both as store mascots and cherished community members.