If you’ve ever spent time in New York City, chances are you’ve crossed paths with one of its most iconic and beloved unofficial residents: the bodega cat. Whether curled up beside the register, tucked between shelves, or watching the street from a sunny window, these cats have become a small but instantly recognizable part of the city’s everyday rhythm. For many New Yorkers, spotting one feels like finding a tiny moment of warmth in the middle of the city’s constant motion. That quiet charm is at the heart of Bodega Cats of New York City, a book that will bring together heartwarming photographs of these furry shop companions while also highlighting the communities, store owners, and neighborhood routines surrounding them. More than a simple photo collection, the project offers a closer look at a culture that has existed across New York for generations, turning ordinary corner stores into places with personality, memory, and familiar faces.
Behind the project is the popular Instagram page New York Bodega Cats, which has been documenting these cats across the city and transforming quick, everyday encounters into something much more meaningful. Each image does more than introduce another adorable cat; it offers a glimpse into the small local businesses that keep New York moving, the people who run them, and the animals that have become part of their identity. What makes the project so captivating is its authenticity: these are not staged portraits, but real moments captured in real places, from sleepy cats lounging on snack displays to alert little guardians keeping watch over the store. Bodega cats may be cute, but they are also part of the neighborhood, building bonds with customers, bringing character to the shops, and representing a wonderfully practical, resilient, and slightly chaotic piece of New York’s local culture.
Bored Panda reached out to the page's creator to learn more about their project and what readers can expect from the book. So scroll down to read the full interview and, of course, vote on your favorite from this selection of feline store staff.
