A bodega cat may be a
domesticated cat that is kept by the bodega owner, or a
semi-feral cat that the bodega owner attracts to the store through regular feeding. Public health departments typically prohibit bodega cats under
food codes that ban live animals from establishments where consumable goods are sold.[1]
Etymology
The term is derived from bodega, a Spanish word that translates to "storeroom" or "wine cellar".[4] It is typically used in New York City to refer to a convenience store that sells groceries, deli meats, sandwiches, soft drinks, and other general staples. The term is commonly associated with businesses in New York City[5] and other American cities with substantial Latino populations.
Legality
The
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene considers bodega cats a "general deficiency", citing concerns over the potential they pose for food contamination.[6] Under Chapter 23 of the Food Service Establishment Violation Penalty Schedule, establishments selling food that keep live animals that are not
service animals or fish kept in tanks are subject to a fine ranging from $200 to $350.[7] Despite this, cats remain a ubiquitous presence at many of the more than 10,000 bodegas across New York City;[8]The New York Times reports that many bodega owners keep cats in spite of the law because they are seen as preferable to rodent infestations, which also carry a fine of $300.[9]