By Nadia Rivas
Cats causing trouble? What? Well, in New York, bodega cats are becoming common, and encountering a cat as you enter for a drink or snack shouldn’t be a surprise at most bodegas. They seem innocent enough, just lying around, soaking up the New York lifestyle. Unfortunately, these feline companions might be causing trouble for some bodega owners. State laws prohibit most animals from stores that sell food products. Owners of these bodegas could be fined if a cat is caught curling up next to a can of tuna or perhaps even a toothbrush. Recently, these bodega cats have been in the spotlight as a petition has been circulating online to protect these bodega owners from fines, garnering up to 10,000 signatures. However, having these bodegas inspected is the state’s responsibility. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets stated that they have to follow these rules to ensure that the food is safe from contamination. However, they mentioned they will explore “educational resources and corrective action timelines and options” before imposing fines on bodegas. New Yorkers argue that these furry animals make them feel welcomed and can protect the stores from roaches and rats that could potentially be scurrying around. Some claim the creatures play a vital role in drawing customers in. A fluffy gray cat named Mimi has been at the center of attention after a TikTok creator posted a video of her lounging, which garnered over 9 million views. The customer shares that the experience has helped her connect with Mimi’s owners and learn their story about immigrating to the U.S. just a few years ago. She argues that the cats symbolize community and foster a connection among New Yorkers.