NYC lawmaker wants to legalize bodega cats in the 5 boroughs

The furry felines that roam the aisles of many New York City bodegas could soon be living their lives within the law.

City Councilmember Keith Powers said he plans to introduce a bill that would legalize the presence of cats in bodegas.

The legislation is still being drafted, but is expected to be introduced at the next stated City Council meeting later this month. If passed, it would eliminate a legal gray area: while bodega cats aren’t explicitly banned, they technically violate city health regulations.

An estimated 30% to 40% of bodegas have a resident cat, according to Dan Rimada, who runs the popular social media account @BodegaCatsOfNewYork. Rimada told NPR in April that his account inspired Powers to take up the cause.

“As a lifelong New Yorker, I love that idea," Powers said. "I know how iconic they are to the city, and the actual bodega shops, themselves."

His proposal would revise the city’s health code to allow cats in bodegas under certain conditions, including requirements for vaccination, neutering and certification to ensure compliance during health inspections.

Powers said the legislation would create a formal process for storeowners to register their feline coworkers.

He also emphasized that cats offer a practical benefit: keeping bodegas clean and free of rodents, in line with Mayor Eric Adams’ stated anti-rat agenda.

Powers said the bill could also help shopkeepers avoid fines.

“They are everywhere in New York City, and they have been everywhere since as far as I remember back to my childhood,” Powers said. “I think these well-intentioned bodega owners want to come forward and propose a way to get them legal.”

Powers said he hasn’t yet discussed the proposal with the mayor, but other councilmembers have expressed support.

Adams’ office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.