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Bodega cats are part of daily life in New York City. They lounge near counters, keep watch over corner stores, and help deter pests. But under current rules, cats in retail food stores can still be treated as violations, even when they are fed, loved, vaccinated, and cared for.

New York State Assembly bill A08341 would require the Department of Agriculture and Markets to establish health and safety guidelines for cats living in retail food stores. The bill would authorize cats in those stores only when responsible care standards are met.¹

That is the right approach. Bodega cats should not be ignored, hidden, or treated as a loophole. They should be protected openly under rules that safeguard the cats, customers, and small business owners.

The Bills Would Require Real Care

A08341 would require standards for regular veterinary checkups and preventive care, including vaccinations; mandatory spaying or neutering; proper nutrition; adequate food and water; sanitary conditions; and a “cat zone” separate from food preparation and storage areas where a cat can rest and retreat.¹

New York City Council Int. 0830-2026 would remove the city-level prohibition on cats in retail food stores. It would also require the Office of Animal Welfare, working with the Department of Small Business Services, to establish voluntary free vaccination and spay/neuter programs for cats living in retail food stores and to conduct outreach to store owners.²

ABC7 New York reported that the state proposal would establish official health and safety guidelines for bodega cats, including veterinary checkups, vaccines, and designated cat zones away from food preparation areas.³ NBC New York reported that city legislation would lift the municipal ban and create voluntary free vaccination and spay/neuter services.⁴

Clear Rules Would Protect Cats And Small Businesses

City & State New York published an opinion piece by bill sponsors Frank Morano and Keith Powers explaining that current city and state laws prohibit live animals in retail food stores, leaving store owners in a confusing position and cats without an open system of care.⁵

Bodega Cats of New York says the campaign is active and that both the city and state bills need public support.⁶

New York should pass both measures and make them work together. Legal protection should come with care standards, funding, outreach, and enforcement that targets neglect, not responsible shop owners.

Bodega cats are already here. The question is whether the law will leave them unprotected or finally give them a humane framework.

Sign now to urge New York leaders to protect bodega cats with clear legal status, veterinary care, spay/neuter support, and humane standards.