Julia Burns

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Mar 2, 2025, 10:57 PM

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A new petition by the organization Bodega Cats of New York aims to start a program that would ensure practices that protect bodega cats and help small business owners.

Nothing says New York like the bodega cats at the local corner store. People like Dani York said it's a staple.

“I almost feel surprised if I go into a bodega and there isn't a cat there to be quite honest. It feels like there’s something missing," York said.

Other than being adorable, Abdelsattar Ahmed, the owner of Greene Food and Deli in Crown Heights, said his cat Mesh-Mesh earns her role as employee of the month.

"It's very important for any deli or grocery for mice. We always look out for her all the time. I clean her, I do everything for her," Ahmed said.

Not all bodega cats, however, necessarily get that same treatment.

In addition to practices that would protect bodega cats and help small business owners, the program would also include pet-owner certifications, financial support for veterinarian care, and help to eliminate fines.

Bodega Cats of New York told News 12 it's working with rescue organizations to update and improve the petition in the coming weeks. So far, people seem hooked.

“I would make an assumption that the bodega owners and workers like it’s an extra expense. So if there are ways that they could have assistance like veterinary care, even additional food and things, that would be really helpful," York said.

People like Matt Wille said he thinks it would aid regulation.

“It sounds like it would help take care of the cats, and also just make it more of a system," Wille said.

The petition doesn't guarantee immediate change and would need the New York City Council to get involved.

Bodega Cats of New York's petition had collected more than 5,000 signatures as of Sunday night.

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