No. Bodega cats are not legal inside New York City retail food stores under current city and state food rules.
Many stores still have cats, but their presence does not create an exception. Two proposed bills would change the rules. Neither had passed as of August 5, 2026.
What the Current Rules Say
New York City Health Code rules prohibit owners of retail food stores from keeping cats inside. State sanitary regulations also prohibit live animals in retail food stores except in limited circumstances.
A store can therefore face a violation for keeping a cat where food is sold. The rules remain in force while the proposed city and state bills move through their legislatures.
The New York City Bill
Int. 0830-2026 would prevent the city's administrative code from being used to prohibit cats in retail food stores. It would also create free vaccination and spay or neuter programs for participating cats.
Council Member Frank Morano introduced the bill on April 16, 2026. As of August 5, it had three sponsors and remained in the Committee on Health. It had not received a committee vote or a full Council vote.
The official bill summary makes an important limit clear. Passing the city bill alone would not permit a store owner to keep a cat because state law and regulations would still apply.
The New York State Bill
Assembly Bill A8341 would require the Department of Agriculture and Markets to establish health and safety guidelines for cats in retail food stores. The proposal addresses the state rules that a city law cannot override.
As of August 5, 2026, A8341 was active and in the Assembly Agriculture Committee. It had been referred to that committee on January 7, 2026. It had not passed the Assembly or Senate.
What Would Have to Happen
The City Council bill needs to advance through the Committee on Health, pass the full Council, and become law. The state proposal must pass both legislative chambers and be signed by the governor.
The details also matter. Any final framework should set clear standards for veterinary care, food and water, litter placement, sanitation, and the cat's safety. Rules should be understandable to store owners and enforceable without leaving the cat in worse conditions.
How to Help
New York City residents can ask their Council member to support Int. 0830 and request a hearing. State residents can ask their Assembly member and senator to support a legal path with enforceable care standards.
You can also sign the petition and read our broader case for better outcomes for bodega cats.
Bodega Cats of New York is available for preorder now and publishes November 3, 2026.
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