What began as an appreciation turned into something so much greater.
Dan Rimada, founder of @bodegacatsofnewyork created an Instagram page where people can come together to show their love for NYC’s unofficial mascot.
“The original intention was that I loved bodega cats,” Dan tells Secret NYC. “What I started to realize is that people have a deep connection to their [own] and how culturally significant they’ve become.”
Though they’re a phenomenon in their own right, bodega cats are not actually legal — something Dan’s been fighting to change for our four-legged rat czars.
“The whole experience has been really eye-opening,” he admits. “The intention was to get the attention of lawmakers from the NYC Council to allocate some funding so that essentially we can get health inspectors to look the other way as long as the bodega owner can show that they’re taking care of the cat. It’s a Catch 22 — the owner either has to pay a fine for having a cat or having rodents.”
Since the legalities throughout the city and state are not terribly cut and dry — and other animal advocacy programs are already working to provide our furry friends with assistance — Dan joined forces with like-minded organizations — @bodegacatsofinstagram, @shopcatsshow, and @bodegacatspirits — with a goal: to raise $30,000 for 501C3 nonprofit partners, including Bronx Tails Cat Rescue, Catstoria Rescue, Hardhat Cats, Sassee Cats and Bronx Community Cats.
Those who are interested in showing their support have until June 30th to contribute to the cause.
And for those who can’t get enough of the cuties, Bodega Cats of New York also runs the Cats About Town Tours, the city’s only walking tour dedicated to cats and their extraordinary history throughout the city. You can learn about Ned, the first feline to cross the Brooklyn Bridge, or Jerry Fox, who alerted people in Borough Hall in the 1900s about the fire he smelled. Bet you didn’t know about these two fellas!
For more information, visit the Bodega Cat Fundraiser online and the Cats About Town website.