Bodega Cats of New York began with a simple idea: sharing the everyday moments that make our city feel like home. Through our Instagram account, @bodegacatsofnewyork, we capture the charm of the cats that lounge in our local corner stores. These familiar faces have brought smiles to countless New Yorkers, and we're grateful to share their stories with you.
Our petition aims to transform the outdated approach to bodega cats in New York City by introducing the Bodega Cat Registry Program—a voluntary, community-based framework that ensures humane care for these beloved cats while supporting the local businesses that care for them. By replacing punitive fines with a structured registration system, we can uphold public health standards, offer affordable veterinary support, and create a network of accountability and emergency care, all using existing city infrastructure and strategic private partnerships.
We believe that every bodega cat deserves proper care and that every small business owner should have the tools to manage this responsibility without undue financial burden. This petition calls on city leaders to adopt a forward-thinking, pilot-based initiative that not only safeguards animal welfare but also strengthens community ties and bolsters the local economy. Join us in creating a model that nurtures our community’s most cherished traditions while paving the way for a more compassionate and practical future in urban animal care.
