A store worker held Stella while Gulce Kilkis made the photograph.
A gray-and-white cat rests against someone who runs the store, eyes forward, paws folded like she has been picked up this exact way a thousand times.
Stella stayed calm, with her eyes forward and paws folded. The photograph records how comfortable she appeared with the person holding her.
The image keeps the worker and the store around her in view.
Stella stayed still long enough for two photographs inside the store.
From the StoriesStella's story appears in the Bodega Cats of New York stories.
Published June 3, 2026
Back to Stories