New York’s bodega cats are more than just mousers. They are icons of city life, furry shopkeepers who charm customers, guard snack aisles, and keep neighborhoods feeling like home.

But under current law, these beloved animals technically are not allowed in stores that sell food. That means small business owners risk fines for housing cats, even when they are doing an essential job and being well cared for.

A new bill in the New York State Legislature would finally bring clarity and compassion to this issue. The proposed legislation would:

• Establish basic health and safety standards for cats living in retail food stores
• Require vet checkups and vaccinations
• Create designated cat-friendly areas away from food preparation zones

This is not about forcing cats out of bodegas. It is about protecting the cats that are already part of the fabric of New York. It is about giving small business owners the tools to keep their feline companions healthy and safe.

We are calling on the New York State Legislature to pass this bill and give bodega cats the recognition and protection they deserve.

From Upper Manhattan to Brooklyn to the Bronx, bodega cats are part of what makes New York, New York.

Sign this petition if you believe bodega cats deserve legal protection, safe conditions, and a permanent place in our city’s future.