NEW YORK — Bodegas, neighborhood stores where residents can stock up on basic goods and grab a sandwich or a six-pack of beer, are an integral part of the living in New York City experience. And with bodegas, come bodega cats.
While bodega cats have garnered the attention of hipsters, even scoring their own Instagram account, the reason for the cats' presence is more about their hunting capabilities and less about their adorable factor. New York City has a vermin problem, and cats offer natural protection.
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Unfortunately for Yelp user Diane D., she was not aware of the high regard, or at least tolerance, that many New Yorkers have for bodega cats. She wrote a one-star review for SK Deli Market in the East Village, including a photo of a black and white cat lounging atop of display of cases of beer. Diane D. wrote in part, “To my dismay, there was a cat perched upon some cases of Budweiser in the middle of the store! Besides being allergic to cats, I wonder what the health code says about this?” The review was later pulled, but not before angry users screen-grabbed it and circulated it on social media.
Fans of the bodega and bodega cats in general immediately slammed the woman for her review, pointing out that without the shop cats, there would be a lot more rats, which is also a public health issue.
According to Mashable, having a cat in a shop in New York City could result in a fine, but a shop could also be fined if rat droppings are found on the premises.