Warehouse cats are taking center stage in New York politics with a new bill announced Wednesday to protect these popular felines throughout the city.
NYC Councilman Frank Morano (R-Staten Island) presented on April 15 the so-called “Bodega Cat Bill” (Intro. 1471), an initiative that seeks to support small businesses and, at the same time, guarantee the health and well-being of the cats that live in these establishments.
The bill would eliminate the city’s current ban on cats in retail food stores and establish a framework to regulate their care. Additionally, it proposes the creation of voluntary programs—backed by the city—that would offer free vaccinations, as well as spay and neuter services.
“Boarage cats are already a reality throughout New York City,” Morano said. “This project recognizes that reality, supports small traders and seeks to ensure that these animals are healthy and well cared for. It’s common sense.”
The proposal builds on previous efforts in the City Council by former Councilman and current Assemblyman Keith Powers, who had already attempted to address this issue.
A joint effort between city and state
The debate is not limited to the city. A similar proposal is also advancing in the state Legislature. Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Upper West Side) last year introduced a bill that would establish clear health and safety guidelines to ensure the humane treatment of these cats.
If the state initiative is approved, the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets would be responsible for creating an official standard of care for cats living in retail stores across the state.
However, both proposals are not identical. Currently, the NYC Health Code technically prohibits the presence of live animals in food stores. Morano’s legislation would eliminate this restriction at the municipal level, but state regulations would have to be modified so that warehouse owners can keep cats completely legally.
“This is an incremental and smart step,” Morano explained. “We are removing barriers at the city level while working with the state toward a broader solution.”
The bill also directs the Office of Animal Welfare, in collaboration with the Department of Small Business Services, to develop support and education programs for merchants. These would include access to free veterinary services and information materials in multiple languages.
Community support and concerns
Proponents of the measure point out that warehouse cats play a key role in pest control, especially in a city where rats and mice are a persistent problem. In addition, they point out that these animals are part of the cultural character of many neighborhoods.
“This project would protect the stores that rely on them for pest control, while validating the work rescues have done for years,” said Dan Rimada of the group Bodega Cats of New York. “The 14,000 signatures on our petition show that the city is ready for this change.”
Meanwhile, Rimada has also sought support outside the legislative sphere. She recently collaborated with pet product company Lesure to donate self-cleaning litter boxes and beds to cat stores across the city, providing direct help to these animals.
Still, not everyone completely agrees with the proposal. Some rescuers, who work directly with cats in precarious conditions and often use their own resources, have raised significant concerns.
Meagan Licari, executive director of Puppy KittyNYCity rescue, warned that for every well-cared for cat, there are many others living in poor conditions: in basements, without adequate food to encourage rodent control, without access to litter, and reproducing uncontrollably.
Licari noted that the project only encourages practices such as vaccination and sterilization, but does not require them. This, she claims, would allow some owners to keep cats without proper care and without facing consequences.
“As written, this bill allows cats to be kept without veterinary supervision and without repercussions, which will continue to overburden the rescue community,” he explained.
He also called on Council to include clear mandatory compliance measures, adequate funding and increased availability of veterinary clinics.
Allie Taylor, president of Voters for Animal Rights, agreed that the city should focus on broader solutions, such as accessible spay and neuter services, affordable veterinary care and support for families to care for their pets.
Morano, for his part, acknowledged that the initiative is not a definitive solution, but rather a first step toward a more comprehensive approach that protects both warehouse cats and store owners throughout New York.
