New York City Ponders Legalizing Bodega Cats: Examining the Proposed Law
Chillin' with Bodega Cats Set to Become Legal in NYC?
Get ready to hang out with your local bodega cats without fear! A groundbreaking bill proposing to legalize these furry friends in NYC is making waves, and it could soon be a reality.
The man behind this purr-fect piece of legislation is none other than City Councilmember Keith Powers. He's teamed up with Dan Rimada, founder of the popular @bodegacatsofnewyork Instagram account, which is currently fundraising to support our feline workmates.
Bodega Cat Bill – Here's the Lowdown
Powers' bill aims to revise the city's health codes, allowing for bright-eyed, mouse-chasing bodega cats to become an official part of New York City stores. This means that bodega owners would have to register their little helpers, ensuring they're properly vaccinated, vaccinated, and if necessary, neutered or spayed.
Excited about this sea change, Powers recently expressed on Instagram, "I'm thrilled to unveil new legislation tasked with legalizing bodega cats by amending the city's health code! The bill will also include a free vaccination program for these adorable felines so they can receive the protection they deserve." No cat chaser from here on out!
As Rimada once shared, bodega cats are not just charming company but essential for maintaining cleanliness in the stores. Who needs roach motels when you've got bodega cats prowling about?
Want to stroll through the city's coolest cat cafes or take a walking tour filled with feline fun? Check out Cats About Town Tours for a purr-fectly wonderful time.
The Long Road Ahead
The bill may not have become law just yet, but it's well on its way! On June 13, 2025, the proposal, with strong public support and over 13,000 signatures on a petition organized by Dan Rimada, was put forth by NYC Council Member Keith Powers, aiming to officially recognize and protect these cherished neighborhood fixtures[1][3][5].
In the legislative process' early stages, the bill hasn't made its way through the City Council or been signed into law, but it certainly marks an effort towards recognizing and preserving these iconic figures in the neighborhood[1][3][5]. Stay tuned and keep those paws crossed!
[1] - http://nyc.gov/html/council/html/powers/index.shtml[2] - https://www.bodegacatsofnewyork.com/[3] - https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-nyc-crime-law-bodega-cats-20250804-objws4gbd5rdbcmld3za5x7c5uq-story.html[5] - https://www.animalweekly.com/govt-policy-regulation/nyc-councilman-keith-powers-to-introduce-bill-to-legalize-bodega-cats-in-the-city/
Add these pets to your weekend event schedule and enjoy the benefits of home-and-garden cleanliness, as bodega cats are not just charming companions, but also contribute to maintaining cleanliness in stores. As the Bodega Cat Bill gains momentum, it may lead to the establishment of cat cafes across the city, making it an exciting addition to your lifestyle.
