Bodega cats could become legal and more cared for under proposed NYC law
UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) -- They're about as New York as the subway, the Empire State Building, or a perfect pizza slice. Bodega cats inhabit many of the thousands of delis across the city's five boroughs, and while many of them are well cared for by shop owners and customers alike, care for the felines isn't universally high-quality, and the cats are officially illegal. A proposed new initiative says it will change all of that, for the better.
It's a petition begun by the organization Bodega Cats of New York that aims to ensure that every cat that lives in a food or service establishment is treated well.
At the First on First Deli, at 91st and First Ave. on the Upper East Side, the staff and customers keep Marshmallow, a 10-year-old calico, happy. Marshmallow returns the love, fully.
"I get good food, and I get to see the cat," said Bob Wagner, a First on First regular. "Life is good."
Mary Crawford comes into the deli for lunch on a nearly daily basis.
"She's an emotional support for me for many years," she said with a chuckle, about Marshmallow.
Over and over, customers picked up the cat, stroked her fur, and petted her, as she roamed down the deli's three aisles.
Marshmallow, like most other bodega cats, attracts attention, but propels pests. That's one reason that the city government has largely turned a blind eye to the corner store felines. They're officially not allowed in businesses that have food on the premises.
That's where the Bodega Cats of New York petition comes in. It calls for a citywide certification for cats in businesses, and also calls for a $30,000 fund to ensure that cat owners are trained to care for the pets in their businesses.
Back at First on First Deli, Marshmallow's many fans said that while she's well taken care of by them, and the owner, Ali, the proposal in the petition makes sense to them.
"I love that," said Alex Martinesi, a deli customer. "I would sign the petition."
That petition, however, is not necessarily a guarantee of change. The New York City Council would have to take up this measure, and so far, there are no sponsors. The petition calls on City Council members Tiffany Cabán, Shekar Krishnan, and Julie Menin to introduce legislation, but there's no indication yet that they will.
The founder of Bodega Cats of New York did not respond to requests for an interview.
Still, his petition is gaining scores of signatures, hour by hour, which could build strong momentum for legislation. That prospect is exciting supporters, like Mary Crawford, the First on First customer.
"I love a good cat," she said, "and I trust everything with cats and delis."