New York's bodega cats have long been part of the city's daily rhythm, quietly greeting customers from behind counters and snack shelves. Now, Dan Rimada is giving these neighborhood felines a more visible place in the city's cultural story through his project, Bodega Cats of New York.
Launched in 2022, the initiative highlights cats living in bodegas across the five boroughs, where they often serve as informal mousers and familiar companions to local shoppers. A new book from Epic Ink brings that mission into focus with 120 photographs of 60 cats, each paired with its own story. The images were captured by photographer Gulce Kilkis, known for documenting street cats in different urban settings.
Beyond the charm of the portraits, the project also reflects a broader effort to recognize the cats' place in city life. Rimada's advocacy draws attention to the varied ways these animals are cared for from store to store, while encouraging a more thoughtful approach to their presence in retail spaces.
Two proposed measures connected to the project aim to create a clearer framework for cats in food retail stores, including voluntary vaccination and spay/neuter programs, as well as veterinary-based requirements for legal access. The book is scheduled for release in early November, adding a new chapter to New York's evolving urban pet culture.
As cities continue to balance tradition, public health, and community identity, projects like this may help shape a more humane future for shared urban spaces.
