New York's Bodega Cats Are a Social Media Sensation

Enter the Working Cat.

Nope, those two words are not an oxymoron (contradictory meanings). Believe it or not, there really is such a thing as a cat that works to earn its room and board. And it’s happening in the Big Apple. Yes, within the hustle and bustle of New York City, where streets are crammed with cars, buses, and pedestrians all racing around to get from one place to another, the wily feline has found a way to do what she does best… and earn her keep at the same time.

Just how, you may wonder? Well, if you’ve ever visited an actual New York bodega, it’s quite likely you’ve already connected the dots.

With over 10,000 of these independently owned convenience stores scattered throughout the city’s many boroughs, the opportunity for feline “employment” is plentiful.

You see, unlike the traditional big-brand convenience stores lined with pristine shelves, fluorescent lights, and pre-packaged commodities, the bodega carries pretty much everything you could ever want. From flip-flops to soft drinks, lotto, liquor, and fresh produce. As well as a wide range of made-to-order foods.

See where I’m going with this? Yes, all those foods prepared freshly on site generate a wealth of delicious tastes, smells and, of course, food scraps.

And with food scraps of any variety, you’re going to have vermin. Rats, to be specific. And New York is famous for them. Now, a feline’s super-efficient method of not only dealing with this type of problem but also deterring it completely is legendary. So too is a cat’s reputation for commanding attention through her alluring yet aloof style. In fact, these indifferent bodega ambassadors have become a downright tourist attraction.

Yes, not only have these thousands of feisty felines become a much-loved fixture with the locals but they are also serious social media sensations. Dare we say, viral? In fact, Instagram sites such as Bodega Cats of Instagram have garnered a whopping 544,000 followers with images of these many “hard-working” kits perched amongst the shelves, lounging across counters, and bedecking the windows of their places of employment. Others, such as Bodega Cat Fundraiser have successfully raised funds to help cover vet fees for the cats.

If you’re not a cat fancier, you may already be wondering if this furry four-legged presence is permitted in a food establishment – especially one prepping fresh takeaways. The short answer is no, it’s not. However, over the years, advocates have begun pressing city officials for legal protection from those more diligent health inspectors who show up unexpectedly and present shopkeepers with fines of up to $300.

While some inspectors ticket while others look the other way, New Yorkers aren’t fazed and continue to pluck fluff off their to-go sandwiches, accepting that the felines will remain, the rats will be gone, and life goes on.