Cat Rescuers in Brooklyn Are Worried about Bodega Cats During Coronavirus Shutdowns

Due to the coronavirus shutdowns, non-essential businesses have had to close down temporarily. Social distancing regulations indicate that we must stay home and indoors as much as possible and if we do have to go out in public for essential necessities, then we have to keep a distance of six feet apart from other people.

While groceries are a necessity, bodegas are grocery stores in Brooklyn that are on almost every other corner and are more for quick runs when you need one or two items. Therefore, most have had to close down. In Brooklyn, bodega cats are very common. Their main job is usually to keep mice and rats away, but they’re also a beloved icon of the borough. They are so loved, in fact, that if someone tries to hurt or steal a bodega cat, the neighborhood will come together.

However, in times of crisis, animals are often abandoned. And one rescue organization in the Brooklyn neighborhood Greenpoint does not want bodega cats to be forgotten. With stores closed down, they are reasonably worried that many cats may have been abandoned or displaced. Last year, they rescued a bodega cat named Lily who was living in terrible conditions, so they understand that not all bodega cats are necessarily loved and treated well.

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Greenpoint Cats are asking people in Brooklyn to inquire with the store owners if possible to find out if bodega cats left in the stores are being fed and cared for. They came across one bodega cat who is in the store, but is being fed by the owner. However, they have found two cats that they believe were displaced bodega cats. If you are not able to get in touch with the store owner, you can contact Greenpoint Cats and they will find out if the cat is being fed and cared for, or if they need to rescue them.

No matter how much the people of Brooklyn love bodega cats, during a time of crisis, people have other priorities and may not think about what these cats could be going through. But there are amazing volunteers like Greenpoint Cats who will do the hard rescue work and save the animals if necessary.

Please consider also fostering or adopting a shelter animal during this time. If you’re unable to, then you can also reach out to your local shelter about donating money, food, toys, or other supplies. Sign this petition to pledge to help an animal shelter by fostering, adopting, or donating!

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