Bodega cats of New York

Three dominant themes inthe discussion

1. NYC trash & sanitation woes
   The city’s overflowing bins, lack of alleys, and reliance on compacting trucks are repeatedly decried.

   “The vast majority of NYCs problem can be tied to their trash debacle, which is so outlandish it’s hard for anyone not from there to believe is a real thing in 2206.” — bombcar

2. Health concerns about cats
   Users note that cats, while cleaner than rats, can carry toxoplasmosis and are therefore seen as unsanitary in public spaces.

   “Cats themselves are not very sanitary… they are a source of toxoplasmosis which is very dangerous to pregnant women.” — nonethewiser

3. Bodega cats as rat‑control heroes
   Many comment on the cultural value of “bodega cats” that keep rodent populations down, describing them as a cheap, low‑impact solution despite occasional hazards.

   “Bodega cats aren’t pets, they’re a cheap and low‑impact way to keep rats from moving into the bodega en masse… If one gets run over by a car, that’s just an unfortunate cost of business.” — crooked‑v