NYC Bodega Cats Could Finally Be Legal

New York City’s beloved bodega cats — the furry felines found lounging on counters and keeping mice away in corner stores — may soon be officially legal after decades of living in a grey area, thanks to a new bill introduced in the City Council. 

Under current NYC health code rules, live animals are technically prohibited in food stores, so a cat in a bodega could result in fines for the store owner. This is specifically mentioned in NYC Health Code Section 81.25 (and related provisions like Article 81.09), which states “No live animal shall be kept, housed or permitted to enter into or remain in any food service establishment.” There are currently no exceptions for cats and no distinction made for pest control animals — meaning even friendly, well-kept cats are technically banned from stores that sell food. 

But all that can change with the new legislation, known as Intro. 1471. It was introduced by City Council Member Keith Powers and aims to amend the health code to allow retail food stores to legally keep cats on the premises. Councilmember Powers filed Intro 1471 on November 12, 2025, with five co-sponsors: Francisco P. Moya, Sandy Nurse, Chi A. Ossé, Frank Morano, and David M. Carr. Instead of trying to keep cats out, the bill would allow bodegas to keep them without fear of penalties, while also creating city-run programs for free vaccinations and spaying/neutering services for any registered bodega cats.

Bodega cats aren’t just cute — many New Yorkers consider them part of the city’s culture, and they also help control rodents without the use of poisons or traps. For decades, store owners have kept cats despite health codes, often choosing the cost of a fine over a rat problem. In fact, it’s estimated that 30–40% of bodegas in NYC already have resident cats, even though the law hasn’t officially recognized them. 

According to supporters, the bill isn’t just about making cats legal; it’s about protecting their health and acknowledging the role they play in NYC culture. One Brooklyn bodega owner, who asked to remain anonymous, says his cat has become an essential part of his store’s daily life. “I always thought having a cat here was just common sense,” he told me. “People love coming in to see her, and she does a better job keeping mice away than any trap I’ve used. It’s great that the city might finally recognize what we’ve all known for years — these cats are part of the community.” Bodega owners recognize the value of their cats as beloved partners who help maintain the store.

While the bill could change city law, it doesn’t override state regulations that also ban live animals in places that sell food. Those would still need to change for cats to be fully legal statewide. The proposal must still pass through hearings and votes before it can become law, and because the Council Member positions are term-limited, it may be up to the next City Council to finish the work. 

Whether they’re pest control or community mascots, New York’s bodega cats might soon be more than just neighborhood legends — they may finally be recognized in law as well.