New York City has plenty of celebrities, but some of its most lovable stars have four paws, whiskers, and a pretty important day job. Meet the bodega cats: furry neighborhood regulars who hang out in local convenience stores, keep unwanted pests at bay, and win customers’ hearts without even trying.
From lounging on grocery shelves to curling up in shopping baskets, these cats are a familiar sight in NYC’s bustling neighborhoods. Regulars often know them by name, bring them treats, or pop in just to say hello. Honestly, who wouldn’t want a little feline company while grabbing a late-night snack?
The Bodega Cats of New York project, led by reporter Dan Rimada and photographer Gulce Kilkis, has spent four years documenting 60 working cats across all five boroughs. The result is a charming collection celebrating these often-overlooked members of the city’s community.
Their new book, Bodega Cats of New York: Portraits and Stories from New York City’s Working Cats, brings together 150 photographs across 240 pages. Published by Epic Ink, the book is available for preorder and is scheduled to arrive in November 2026 for $30.
These cats might not pay rent, but they’ve certainly earned their place in the heart of the Big Apple.
You can find more info about Bodega Cats:
#1. Oreo sits on the floor inside a Park Slope bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#2. Pancha sits beside a display inside a Hell’s Kitchen bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#3. Prince leans over a cardboard box inside a SoHo bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#4. Francesca sits among store inventory inside a Williamsburg bodega
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#5. Midnight sits on the counter inside a Fort Wadsworth bodega on Staten Island.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#6. Smokey peers over a pastry box inside a Midwood bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#7. Chapo sits on the counter inside a Bay Ridge bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#8. Cappuccino and Juanito stand together inside a Greenwood Heights bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#9. Diamond sits in front of refrigerated cases inside an Astoria bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#10. Layla peers over a display inside a Financial District bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#11. Mia Garfield pauses near the doorway inside an Upper East Side bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#12. Tony watches the aisle from the floor of a Bronx bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#13. Kiki stands on boxes inside a Crown Heights bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#14. Nancy sits at the end of an aisle inside a Sunset Park bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#15. Omish sits on the counter inside a Park Slope bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#16. Pepe reaches toward a display inside an East Williamsburg bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
#17. Stella is held by a worker inside a Park Slope bodega.
Photo: Gulce Kilkis / Bodega Cats of New York
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are bodega cats?
Bodega cats are cats that live or spend time in New York City neighborhood convenience stores. Traditionally, they help control rodents while providing companionship to shopkeepers and customers. Many have become beloved local personalities known throughout their neighborhoods.
Who created the Bodega Cats of New York project?
The Bodega Cats of New York project is led by reporter Dan Rimada and photographer Gulce Kilkis. Over four years, they documented 60 bodega cats across New York City’s five boroughs, capturing their personalities, routines, and relationships with local communities.
How many cats and photographs are featured in the book?
The book Bodega Cats of New York: Portraits and Stories from New York City’s Working Cats features 60 cats and 150 photographs across 240 pages. The collection offers readers an intimate look at these hardworking neighborhood felines and their everyday lives.
When will Bodega Cats of New York be published?
Bodega Cats of New York: Portraits and Stories from New York City’s Working Cats is scheduled for publication in November 2026 by Epic Ink. Preorders are open, and the listed price is $30, making it an appealing gift for cat lovers and photography fans.
Why are bodega cats important to New York City?
Bodega cats help control pests and add character to neighborhood stores. Many customers recognize them by name, bring them treats, and visit just to say hello. They represent the friendly, community-driven spirit of New York City’s local bodegas.
