Bronx’s Bodega Cats Steal the Spotlight

Bronx bodega cats are purring into fame this March, ruling NYC’s corner stores with swagger. Last night at Melrose Deli, tabby Luna napped on a chip rack as owner Jay Patel rang up lotto tickets. She’s a star—#BronxBodegaCats hit X after a viral vid of her swatting a fly. From Fordham to Throgs Neck, these felines guard snacks and charm locals. ‘Luna’s the boss—keeps the mice out,’ Patel says, tossing her a treat. They’re the borough’s unsung MVPs.

The trend’s claws-out—dozens of cats now have Insta pages, racking up likes. Luna’s rival, a gray tom named Chico, patrols a Tremont shop, posing on beer cases. Last week, a kid snapped Chico mid-yawn, sparking 5K shares. Owners say they’re pest control with personality—NYC’s gritty edge, furred up. A bodega cat calendar’s in the works, if the divas cooperate.

Some sniff—health nuts fret over fur near food, though inspectors rarely pounce. A dog lover griped online, but cat fans drowned him out with memes. Allergies keep a few customers curbside, but most shrug it off. The buzz is real—#BodegaCatDay’s floated for spring. Bronx cats don’t care—they just reign.

Patel’s milking Luna’s fame, selling $10 tees with her face—half gone already. ‘NYC runs on these cats—they’re family,’ he says, scratching her chin. The spotlight’s a win for bodega lore—gruff charm in every purr. Luna and Chico are Bronx royalty now. Pop in; they might deign to greet you.