so my local bodega cat, snowy, was catnapped a few weeks ago, and then one day last week i went and saw he was back! then today, i was walking around the neighborhood and saw these posters… had to stop by and they were giving out cake and custom cookies 😭 everyone say welcome back snowy!

(At the Amsterdam Gourmet Deli on 145th & Amsterdam Ave!)

He looked so friendly though 😭

Welp. This is a pretty surreal day.

A few years ago, this was just me walking around New York, meeting bodega cats and collecting their stories for an archive of the cats that lived in NYC during our lifetime. I thought it was important to write down.

Today, my author copy arrived in the mail.

My first book.

I’ve looked at the cover on a screen hundreds of times, but holding the actual thing is completely different. I’m incredibly proud of it annnnd a little teary-eyed. I'm so excited to share it with this incredible sub. Hope you all enjoy it.

Here is a link to pre-order it: http://bodegacatsofnewyork.com/book/ The book comes out Nov 24th!

Look at its little eyes 😻

I've been documenting NYC's bodega cats for the last few years. Layla is one of the best mousers I've found.

She works at a bodega in the Financial District (NYC). The store had been closed for four years. The basement was completely overrun.

The owner brought her in. Within three days, the mice were gone. He hasn't seen one since.

When the contractor asked what color tile he wanted, he pointed at his cat.

When we walked in, a woman was already sitting on the floor.

Work clothes still on. Bags next to her. Delilah, in front of her like this, was a standing appointment.

The owner said it happens all the time. People come in, find the cat, and sit for a few minutes before going back outside.

Some cats sell snacks. Some cats make people stop rushing.

More stories from our archive and upcoming book.

I've been documenting NYC's bodega cats for the last few years. Manny is one of the smartest I've found.

He works at a bodega on York Avenue. Sits outside watching foot traffic like it's his job.

The workers say he knows what health inspectors look like. Clipboard. Jacket. A certain kind of walk. The second he picks up the signal, he's gone. Outside. Down the hall. Behind a stack of crates.

They've never been cited for having a cat. The workers don't take credit. They point at Manny.

About 4,000 felines double as mascot and rat-catching employees in the city’s famous corner shops. But their owners face fines for food safety violations