NEW YORK − In the Crown Heights area of Brooklyn, brothers Nader and Nasser Zeidan stood behind their bodega counter, proudly showing off images of the cat that resides in their store.

“Everyone loves him,” Nasser said, referencing a picture of Thumbs, a sizable grey and white feline. “A Jewish kid, a Black kid, an Arab kid, a Hindu kid − everyone adores cats; they’re simply the best pets.”

Thumbs is part of a unique group of cats that make themselves at home in many of New York City’s iconic convenience stores, often found napping or playfully hunting for mice. Commonly referred to as bodega cats, these furry companions have become essential to their neighborhoods and have gained significant popularity on social media.

New York’s large stray cat population has led to the rise of bodega cats, who often find refuge in commercial shops as well as residential homes, according to animal rescue advocates.

“There are so many cats that they occupy virtually every space available, including corner stores,” explained Will Zweigart, head of Flatbush Cats, a rescue organization based in central Brooklyn.

Staff at these bodegas sometimes take in kittens that are in need of a home. Gracie, known as the ‘queen’ of Myers of Keswick, a British specialty store in the West Village, was rescued from a litter belonging to a hairdresser’s cat, according to store owner Jenny Myers.

This 2-year-old cat eagerly requests chicken-flavored treats, loves to hide beneath the kitchen sink, and customers adore her as she represents “a living part of the store,” according to Myers.

Thumbs, the 12-year-old cat at Grocery Inc. 1-Stop, has experienced a long line of feline friends since the 1970s. He enjoys human company but despises dogs, shared Nasser.

“He’s quite friendly,” Nasser Zeidan, 50, stated. “I haven’t spotted any mice, so I guess he’s doing his job.”

Cats offer a calming presence in a busy city

New York City boasts numerous bodegas, also referred to as delis or corner markets, which serve as convenient and gritty locations for grabbing items like gum, cigarettes, and lottery tickets.

Spotting a cat in a bodega enhances the customer experience, resembling an unexpected gift.

“Encountering something nostalgic when you least expect it is a significant aspect,” remarked Rob Hitt, who manages the popular Instagram account Bodega Cats.

Traditionally, these cats were kept for rodent control, but nowadays they are often recognized for their lounging habits, frequently spotted peacefully napping on store shelves or nestled among snack bags.

At Grocery Inc. 1-Stop during a recent August evening, Thumbs was nowhere to be found as he was fast asleep upstairs, having just been fed, as Nasser Zeidan affectionately shared.

According to Dan Rimada, who manages the Instagram page Bodega Cats of New York, lazy cats like Thumbs provide a moment of calm for New Yorkers in a city known for its fast pace.

“These cats have become little Zen masters for the residents, giving us a reason to take a break in our busy lives,” Rimada shared.

<

Seeing a friendly cat in such a large and populated city brings a sense of comfort, noted Hitt.

“It’s that sense of familiarity that helps you feel connected to the community,” he added.

New York City Faces a Cat Overpopulation Challenge

Outside NYC, bodega cats are also part of communities in places like San Francisco and the streets of Istanbul, Turkey. In all three cities, these cats often come from the streets, largely due to inadequate spay and neuter programs, according to Zweigart.

While exact numbers of stray cats in NYC are not available, organizations like Flatbush Cats estimate that there may be up to 500,000 strays in the city as of 2023.

“It’s understandable to be excited about bodega cats; perhaps you have a favorite from your local store,” Zweigart remarked. “However, spotting a cat in a bodega highlights the serious overpopulation issue.”

Rimada, a longtime New Yorker, estimates that about 30% of the city’s bodegas have cats. Neighborhoods like Crown Heights and nearby Flatbush are known for having a higher number of these bodega cats, as per surveys conducted by Zweigart’s organization.

Myers pointed out that some bodega cats in the city do not receive adequate veterinary care. Gracie, for instance, is spayed, and each year, a store worker from New Jersey brings her along to visit the local vet.

“They absolutely need their vaccinations; they’re part of the family,” said Myers, 46. “You wouldn’t neglect to take your child to their doctor’s appointment for health check-ups.”

Before adopting Thumbs at Grocery Inc. 1-Stop on Utica Avenue, the Zeidan brothers had another cat that unfortunately ran away after three years, likely because he wasn’t neutered. Male cats tend to wander far away if they’re not neutered, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Nasser Zeidan ensured Thumbs was neutered, and as a result, he has remained a loyal companion.

“We love him,” Zeidan shared. “We care for them, and they care for us in return.”