New Book Will Showcase New York City Bodega Cats
A new collection of portraits highlights the working cats that manage pest control in city shops.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Cats
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The upcoming book Bodega Cats of New York: Portraits and Stories from New York City's Working Cats will feature local feline workers. The release date is set for November 3, 2026.
Why it matters
Bodega cats serve as essential pest control for local businesses, demonstrating how these animal companions perform practical roles in city retail spaces. The owner of Bull's Mini Market credits his cat, Layla, with clearing the shop's basement of mice.
Layla, the resident cat at 18 Maiden Lane, is highlighted in the book authored by Dan Rimada with photography by Gulce Kilkis. The store owner previously renovated the shop, choosing floor colors specifically to complement Layla's coat.
The players
Dan Rimada
The author who began documenting New York City's working cats in 2022.
Gulce Kilkis
The photographer whose work captures the feline residents featured in the upcoming book.
Layla
The resident bodega cat at Bull's Mini Market who successfully eliminated a local rodent issue.
The details
The owner brought Layla into the store to address a persistent mouse issue in the basement. Following her introduction, the feline effectively cleared the basement of the pest population in just three days. The owner noted the success of this natural pest control solution while integrating the cat into the aesthetic design of the workspace.
Timeline
The author began collecting details on bodega cats in 2022.
The book will be released on November 3, 2026.
The Home Front
Bodega cats represent a long-standing urban tradition of using domestic animals to manage local business environments. This practice highlights how shop owners integrate pet care and pest control as a functional component of city retail life.
New York City shop owners facing rodent issues should consider how natural deterrents, like working cats, can be integrated into their store management. Residents should ensure that pet-friendly business environments are maintained with consistent care and proper health oversight.
The takeaway
The upcoming book highlights the practical contributions bodega cats make to maintaining shop hygiene in New York City. Readers interested in local urban history can look for the release of Bodega Cats of New York on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Discover more about local pet culture in the Cats section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tribeca Citizen.
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Do you believe resident animals improve the atmosphere of local neighborhood shops?
