The New York City Council has introduced a bill aimed at legalizing bodega cats, enhancing their status within the city’s vibrant food shop culture. Council Member Keith Powers, representing Manhattan’s East Side and Midtown, presented the legislation on Wednesday, which seeks not only to update city health codes but also to establish a free vaccination program for feral cats.
If passed, the bill, known as Intro. 1471, would allow bodega owners to keep cats without fear of penalties. It includes provisions for the city to provide vaccines, as well as spaying and neutering services for these beloved feline companions. “Bodega cats embody the New York spirit: friendly, welcoming, and anti-rat,” said Powers, who will conclude his term at the end of 2025. He expressed pride in the bill’s potential to offer legal recognition and health resources for these animals.
Bodega cats have become an integral part of New York City’s charm, with their presence often evoking fond memories and stories among locals. Powers emphasized their role in maintaining a welcoming atmosphere in bodegas, stating, “There are a lot of things that come to mind when you think of New York City, but bodegas, and the cats that live in them, are one of the iconic parts of our city.”
The initiative has gained traction from influential advocates, including Dan Rimada, founder of the advocacy group Bodega Cats of New York. This year, Rimada led a petition that garnered over 13,000 signatures, calling for legal protections and comprehensive veterinary care for bodega cats. “This is a huge moment for bodega cats and the people who love them,” Rimada stated. He highlighted the importance of spaying and neutering these cats to manage the larger feral cat population in the city.
Rimada’s advocacy aligns with the broader public sentiment that supports the bill. He argued that city funding for veterinary care could be redirected from other initiatives, such as the recent budget allocated for rat control. “There was a lot of money tossed recently for the Rat Czar to take care of the rat problem,” he noted. “We can move city funds around to fund spaying and neutering.”
Public figures are also voicing their support. Former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, known for his love of animals, remarked that bodega cats are a cherished part of New York’s tradition. Sliwa advocated for the bill, asserting that it would allow cats to “come out of the shadows” and perform their essential role in pest control without fear of punishment from health authorities. “It is Mother Nature’s way of protecting food stocks without resorting to the use of dangerous poisons,” he added.
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has been approached for comments regarding this proposed legislation, though a response is pending. As discussions continue, the future of bodega cats in New York hangs in the balance, with advocates hoping for a positive outcome that secures their place in the city’s cultural landscape.
