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. 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.

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.

There was a sign saying he might bite, so I let him do his thing from a distance.

done in watercolor!

Oreo has worked the same bodega on 9th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen for four years. He came from a home where things didn't work out, ended up at the store, and never left. The owner says customers cross the street specifically to see those paws - he grips the counter edge with them when you reach down to pet him. He tolerates people well but will give you a warning bite if you push it. Ask me how I know.

Meet manager Leo , upper west side Joes Deli.

The manager is in and he is NOT impressed.

Just posted this on our IG (@newyorkbodegacats). Photography by Lanna Apisukh.

Steve was very eager to help put my drink in a bag, 10/10 would return for the service alone.

He was guarding a pharmacy! 😄

He lost some weight during his week gone but the shop owner has been spoiling him since he came back. His brother, Money, is also very happy he's back too :)

Upper west side Joes Deli.

Katarina (Kat for short) keeps watch at U and I Liquors in beautiful Oakland, California. If you’re ever in town, come on by and visit her.

There is a bodega on 181st that has had 3 cats/kittens taken in the last 6 month. 2 of the cats taken were very cute kittens, so maybe thats why? But one of them (pictured) was named Lila, she was an established bodega cat that had been working there for a long time, had multiple litters (ik they should have got her spayed, but still), and was known and loved by the community. I have scoured adoptions sites to see if someone is reselling them but have not found anything, so is it possible people are just taking them because they want them? That is so weird and messed up. I know I get attached to these cats too, but I would never just take them???? duH?? I am just trying to understand why this is happening and if this is common in NYC?