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New York City can be a cold, depressing place, especially in the throes of winter. But if there's one thing that never fails to make me smile, it's the semi-feral cat that rubs up against my leg every Saturday when I go pick up ultra processed ginger shots from my local deli. Her soft, low purr is a reminder that I am not completely alone, that, in fact, I am worthy of love!
Although I don't consider myself a cat person, deli cats are more than mere pets—they're a cultural cornerstone of New York, with entire TikTok and Instagram pages dedicated to worshipping their existence. Now, New Yorkers are petitioning for a certification program that would protect bodega cats and their owners to ensure that future generations get to enjoy them, too.
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The petition was started by the person behind the Instagram page Bodega Cats of New York, who simply refers to himself as Dan.
"Through years of hands-on experience, I've witnessed both the charm of well-cared-for bodega cats and the harsh reality of neglect when standards aren't met," Dan writes in his change.org petition. "In conversations with rescue organizations and advocacy groups, we've designed a realistic, community-driven solution."
The voluntary Bodega Cat Certification Program he hopes to introduce would offer permits to bodega cat owners who meet a certain standard of care for their cats—think regular vet checkups, proper feeding and spaying/neutering requirements. Participating bodegas would also receive a certain amount of money which would help deli owners with vet fees and other costs associated with having a cat. They would also help educate bodega owners on feline care to ensure that they live happy, healthy lives.
Technically speaking, having a cat in a deli is currently illegal because of hygiene issues. This sort of certification program could, then, reduce the chances of a deli cat getting confiscated. All in all, it would benefit bodega owners, deli cats and the people who love them.
The certification program hopes to start with 15 bodegas across the city before expanding. As of this writing, the petition has around 7,160 signatures. The more signatures the petition receives, the stronger the momentum will be to potentially introduce legislation. You can sign it yourself here.