Cat Stories
Oreo: The Cat with Thumbs
Known for the extra toes and the regulars who ask for him first.
Published October 20, 2025·3 min read
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Stories
Field notes, photos, and stories from Bodega Cats of New York.
The Cats Have People in the Building Now
This week I sat down with the executive director of the City Council's Animal Welfare Caucus to talk about Int. 0830, the bodega cat bill.
July 24, 2026·2 min read
Announcing Bodega Cats of New York: The Book
See the official cover, finished interior spreads, trailer, and a look at how Bodega Cats of New York was made.
July 21, 2026·3 min read
New York Is Finally Talking About Bodega Cats the Right Way
The answer is to set rules that help the cats and the owners who already care for them.
June 27, 2026·6 min read
Legal Gray Areas Do Not Protect Bodega Cats
Bodega cats are not going anywhere. The question is whether they stay hidden and unprotected, or whether New York creates standards that actually protect them.
June 25, 2026·7 min read
Tiger: In the Window
Tiger is the Scottish fold in the window at Chiku's Williamsburg bodega, where there is a bed, a toy mouse, plants, and a little tiger figurine behind him.
June 23, 2026·2 min read
How Bodega Cat Care Varies Across New York
Care varies across the city's bodegas. This is what we have observed and what current programs and bills may change.
June 20, 2026·5 min
What We Covered With Untapped New York
On June 25, 2026, I joined Untapped New York for a virtual talk about the BCNY archive, the book, and the current City Council bill.
June 18, 2026·2 min read
Francesca: On the Route
Francesca was one of three Williamsburg bodega cats whose names kept coming up along the same walking route.
June 3, 2026·2 min read
Stella: Held Like She Belonged There
Stella stayed calm while a store worker held her for Gulce Kilkis to photograph.
June 3, 2026·2 min read