For many residents of the Big Apple, stopping by the convenience store isn’t just about grabbing a coffee or a snack; it’s also about checking in on the furry residents. Often found lounging on a stack of newspapers or curled up in a cozy spot, each bodega cat has its own personality. And the Bodega Cats social media project is all about capturing the different moods of these neighborhood celebrities. With over one million followers across social media platforms, they share furry sightings from not only in bodegas across NYC, but also other places in the US and the rest of the world. Keep scrolling to enjoy Bored Panda’s latest piece about the Bodega Cats project, showcasing some of the most meowgnificent photos of all time. Originally, these all-in-one convenience stores were opened in the early 1900s by Spanish and Cuban immigrants, according to Carlos Sanabria, author of the book The Bodega: A Cornerstone of Puerto Rican Barrios. Even though many grocery stores are owned by Italians, Jews, Germans, and other immigrants, these small corner shops are closely linked with the Puerto Rican community in particular. Some methods that help control the rat population are traps and poisons. However, many bodega owners turn to a less toxic option, a more adorable one: the bodega cat. With their keen senses and natural hunting instincts, these feline creatures keep rats at bay. For instance, give them their space and don’t disturb them when they are napping or relaxing in a quiet corner at the store. And if they seem open to it, feel free to offer them a scratch behind the ears or a gentle pet. These adorable furballs surely leave a smile on the customer’s face. With their cute antics and lazy looks, looking at snapshots of bodega cats is simply pawsome. Are you a resident of the Big Apple or know someone who calls it home and has had the experience of encountering these charming felines in person? Tell us in the comments below. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
