When you think of New York City, chances are a bodega cat comes to mind. These hardworking cats aren't just part of the scenery—they're part of the story. This spring, we decided it was time to give something back to them.
That's how the Bodega Cat Fundraiser came to life.
Raising $30,000 for bodega cat healthcare wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment idea. It's been months of planning, coordinating, and connecting with some of the biggest names in the bodega cat community—and it's been one of the most rewarding projects we've ever taken on.
Here's a look behind the scenes.
Where It Started
In early 2025, after launching a petition to protect bodega cats (and racking up over 11,000 signatures), we realized something: it wasn't just about raising awareness. It was about taking action.
Vet care—vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, and emergency medical attention—is expensive, and it's often bodega owners and small rescue groups footing the bill alone. We wanted to change that.
So, we started planning a fundraiser that could rally the cat-loving community, help real cats on the ground, and celebrate what makes New York's neighborhoods feel like home.
Building the Collective
From the start, we knew we couldn't do it alone.
We teamed up with three other heavy hitters in the bodega cat world:
@bodegacatsofinstagram (1M+ followers)
@shopcatsshow (With host Michelladona)
@bodegacatspirits (the creators of Bodega Cat Whiskey)
Together, we formed the Bodega Cat Collective—four major voices joining forces to make a bigger impact.
The plan: each account would post a collaborative launch, encouraging their audiences to donate, spread the word, and help us reach our $30,000 goal by June 30.
Rallying Our Sponsors:
We wanted this to feel bigger than just a donation link. It needed momentum. Excitement. Rewards.
So we brought sponsors on board:
Smalls: 3-month fresh cat food subscriptions for donors at the $100+ level
Arm & Hammer Cat Litter: Litter prize packs and branded swag at the $75+ level
Bodega Cat Whiskey: Signed bottles, Comedy Cellar nights, and exclusive VIP prizes for donors at the $250+ and $500+ tiers
Pad Home Pet Services: Free in-home vet services for local winners
Caryn Cast Art: A custom digital badge for every single donor
It took dozens of emails, a few late-night calls, and some quick pivots when sponsors needed legal reviews or prize details changed—but the enthusiasm was real. Every brand we spoke to understood that this was about giving back to the cats that make New York, New York.
Crafting the Message
One challenge we faced was getting the messaging right. We needed to balance acknowledging that some bodega cats need better care without implying that all bodega owners neglect their cats.
During our calls with ShopCats Show, we aligned on a simple message: this isn't about "rescuing" cats from bodegas—it's about supporting the entire ecosystem of people who already care for them and making sure they have the resources they need.
One rescue volunteer told us a story that perfectly captured why this matters: She took an Uber to a bodega, convinced the owner to let her take the cat for spaying, paid for another Uber to the vet, covered the procedure, and then took a third Uber back to return the cat—all out of her own pocket. That's dedication we want to support, not replace.
Choosing the Beneficiaries
The heart of this fundraiser isn't just the cats—it's the people working day in and day out to help them.
Funds raised will support six nonprofits doing hands-on work rescuing, treating, and advocating for NYC's bodega cats:
Bronx Tails Cat Rescue
Catstoria Rescue
Hardhat Cats
Sassee Cats
Bronx Community Cats
Each of these organizations understands the unique role bodega cats play—and the unique challenges they face.
Building the Creative Assets
We've been amazed by the creative community's response. Caryn Cast Art volunteered to create a digital "I donated" badge that supporters can add to their social profiles after contributing. Rita K. Wojcik from RKW Design offered design support for promotional materials.
Our landing page came together quickly thanks to AI-powered tools, but every element was carefully reviewed to make sure it represented our mission properly. We wanted everything from the donation tiers to the sponsor recognition to feel cohesive and purposeful.
Launch and Beyond
On April 20, 2025, we launched the Bodega Cat Fundraiser with a four-way Instagram collab post, uniting the Collective's followers (over 2 million combined) into one big community effort.
Throughout the fundraiser, we'll spotlight each sponsor, share stories about bodega cats past and present (like Zorro, who once took a swipe at a health inspector), and celebrate every milestone along the way.
The landing page (www.bodegacatfundraiser.com) tracks donations in real-time, offers prize details, and shows exactly how donors are helping cats across the city.
Why It Matters
Bodega cats aren't just mascots. They're part of the daily heartbeat of New York.
They watch over the registers. They keep the shelves mouse-free. They turn corner stores into cornerstones.
This fundraiser is about making sure they get the care they deserve—not just now, but for years to come.
If you love New York, if you love cats, or if you just believe in supporting the small pieces that make communities strong—this is your chance to be part of something real.
Donate today and help us take care of the cats that take care of New York City.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses. www.bodegacatfundraiser.com
More info: bodegacatfundraiser.com
