Cool Cats Who Seem to Think They Own the Stores They Live In, and They're Mostly Right

by Maryjane

12 Apr 2020

Some cats act like they own the place, and bodega cats usually have the receipts to prove it. These storefront regulars turn delis, cafés, convenience stores, and neighborhood shops into their personal kingdoms, and people cannot seem to get enough of them.

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This collection celebrates the cats that nap on counters, guard the goods, and stare down customers like they are part of the staff. The term bodega cat is especially popular in New York City, where social media accounts like Bodega Cats keep sharing photos and videos of these furry fixtures.

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From tiny kittens to full-time store supervisors, these cats make every aisle feel a little more entertaining. Here are some of the best ones.

#1 My lanta, this is too funny!

#1 My lanta, this is too funny! — Bodegacats_

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#2 I am definitely not prepared for the cuteness overload!

#2 I am definitely not prepared for the cuteness overload! — Bodegacats_

#3 That cat is so... SQUISHY!

#3 That cat is so... SQUISHY! — Bodegacats_

These cats are clearly running the show.

#4 Where is the kitty?

#4 Where is the kitty? — Bodegacats_

#5 "We're grumpy about it, but we're open."

#5 "We're grumpy about it, but we're open." — Bodegacats_

#6 "I must have this."

#6 "I must have this." — Bodegacats_

#7 I spy...

#7 I spy... — Bodegacats_

This one is doing a very serious job of blending in.

#8 This loaf isn't for sale!

#8 This loaf isn't for sale! — Bodegacats_

#9 "I suggest this one, sir."

#9 "I suggest this one, sir." — Bodegacats_

#10 "I have claimed this box as my own. Thanks, bye!"

#10 "I have claimed this box as my own. Thanks, bye!" — Bodegacats_

#11 "I'm watching you."

#11 "I'm watching you." — Bodegacats_

#12 "Don't even think about it, lady!"

#12 "Don't even think about it, lady!" — Bodegacats_

#13 Alien kitties? Ha, just kidding.

#13 Alien kitties? Ha, just kidding. — Bodegacats_

#14 "Fanta, Fanta, get your Fanta!"

#14 "Fanta, Fanta, get your Fanta!" — Bodegacats_

The store shelves are no match for this level of confidence.

Also, these store-owning cats might be headed for corporate life, like the cat CEO candidates based on their work ethic.

#15 "I didn't take anything, sir."

#15 "I didn't take anything, sir." — Bodegacats_

#16 "I must stretch so that I can fit."

#16 "I must stretch so that I can fit." — Manc_Franke

#17 "You, human, yeah you, think you're so smooth because you have fingers..."

#17 "You, human, yeah you, think you're so smooth because you have fingers..." — Bodegacats_

#18 "Don't look at me! I'm hideous!"

#18 "Don't look at me! I'm hideous!" — Bodegacats_

#19 "I will be assisting you today."

#19 "I will be assisting you today." — Bodegacats_

#20 The perfect place to rest. Guardian of the eggs.

#20 The perfect place to rest. Guardian of the eggs. — Bodegacats_

Even the eggs have a feline security detail now.

#21 "You did WHAT?!"

#21 "You did WHAT?!" — Bodegacats_

#22 Baby kitty in bodega training.

#22 Baby kitty in bodega training. — Bodegacats_

#23 "Nothing gets past this bodega cat."

#23 "Nothing gets past this bodega cat." — Bodegacats_

#24 "This beer sure makes you bloat!"

#24 "This beer sure makes you bloat!" — Bodegacats_

#25 "What are you doing?! Look away from me!"

#25 "What are you doing?! Look away from me!" — Bodegacats_

#26 "Sweetie, you need the TP!"

#26 "Sweetie, you need the TP!" — Bodegacats_

#27 "You gotta jump for what you really want."

#27 "You gotta jump for what you really want." — Bodegacats_

#28 "I'm sassy, and I know it."

#28 "I'm sassy, and I know it." — Bodegacats_

#29 The most relaxing spot.

#29 The most relaxing spot. — Bodegacats_

#30 "Human, you must EAT! Then feed me too, of course."

#30 "Human, you must EAT! Then feed me too, of course." — Bodegacats_

May every store have a cat this committed to the job.

Want more “they do not belong here” chaos? Check out cats sneaking into random convenience stores.