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(New York, NY) — New York City bodega cats may soon be getting the official stamp of approval. A bill moving through the New York State Legislature would allow cats to legally live inside city bodegas, bringing an iconic but technically illegal part of New York life out of the shadows. The proposal has now made it into committee — a key step toward becoming law — and would mark the first time bodega cats are formally recognized and protected.
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Under current city and state health codes, bodega cats are not permitted and remain entirely unregulated, despite their long-standing role in keeping rodents at bay and charming customers. The new bill would change that by legalizing the cats and establishing health and safety standards.
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Bodega owners would be required to provide clean, designated areas for the cats to sleep and relax, along with regular veterinary checkups to ensure they remain healthy. Supporters say the measure balances public health concerns with compassion, while preserving a beloved New York tradition that’s as much a part of the city’s character as the bodegas themselves.
