April 8, 2025 Back Home

Everything to Know About Cats & New York City

Ahhh New York City! The Big Apple, the City That Never Sleeps, Good old Gotham and now…LITTER CITY!

If you haven’t been buried under some litter as of late then you already know that New York City was named the Top Cat Kingdom, aka the city that uses the most cat litter in the United States.

As word of this major litter distinction spreads throughout the NYC metro, we decided to do some digging on all the other curious connections between cats and the big city.

So here’s a few answers to the most commonly asked Cats & New York City questions:

How Many Cats are in New York City?

Similar to cats, the answer to this one is elusive.

Last checked, there was approximately 500,000 pet cats in New York City, but that doesn’t reflect the immense feral and stray cat population — which was last estimated to be around 500,000 to 1 million.

So, with around 1.5 million cats, NYC is not only the leading litter city, but it’s easily one of the most cat-friendly cities in the U.S. Perhaps it’s the tight living spaces as NYC pet owners often prefer cats over dogs. And believe it or not, some buildings even have “cat-only” pet policies!

There are also endless pet boutiques, adoption centers, and luxury cat boarding services all throughout the city. Which leads us to our next questions.

Where Would I Go To See a Cat in NYC?

If you’re a cat-loving outsider who wants to see some cats while in the big city, your best bet is a bodega.

Bodega cats are a notable aspect of New York City’s culture, residing in local convenience stores for companionship and err to deter pests. Bodega cats are so popular in fact, there’s even an Instagram account (@bodegacatsofinstagram) dedicated to them!

@bodegacats_
♬ Sleep Walk – Santo and Johnny

In addition to bodegas, bookstores and breweries have also been known to host resident cats to keep mice away.

If you’d prefer to be out in public, Central Park is also believed to have a small feral cat population cared for by volunteers that helps control rats. Don’t’ pet these little guys though. Let them chill.

You can also always swing by the Brooklyn Bridge as rumor has it you could find a “cats on leashes” meetup.

What’s a Cat-lover to Do in New York City?

City cat people get to have a cuddly kitty in the comfort of their home…but not everyone in NYC is so lucky.

If you’re a cat-lover (either just visiting or currently without a cat) looking to see the sites, you’ve got to go to the Brooklyn Cat Café — one of NYC’s most famous cat adoption cafés, where you can sip coffee & cuddle adoptable kitties!

You could also swing by the one of Animal Care Centers of NYC locations and say hello to the cats in their care. The crew at ACC of NYC is not only a GiveLitter® shelter partner, but it’s NYC’s largest animal shelter.

@nycacc Consider adopting an adult cat! They are wonderful companions and have so much love to offer. Visit Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island ACC to adopt your new best furriend. Sam https://nycacc.app/browse/221007 Kitty https://nycacc.app/browse/220935 Minion https://nycacc.app/browse/220956 Princess https://nycacc.app/browse/219690 Remy https://nycacc.app/browse/219957 Chloe https://nycacc.app/browse/105958 Iris https://nycacc.app/#/browse/211223 #nycacc #boroughbred #ShelterCat #AdoptableCats ♬ original sound – ʚĭɞ

And if you’re looking for something more lighthearted to do, explore the city’s history with cats in a walking tour like “Cats About Town,” which highlight the roles of felines in various neighborhoods, or attend Catberet for some evening entertainment.

And just in case you’re looking to get out of town to Long Island, our GiveLitter cafe partners — Catpurrccinos and The Shabby Tabby are great options.

Ok now for a few fun facts:

Random Facts About Cats & New York City

In the early 20th century, cats were employed in New York City post offices to control rodent populations, with over 200 cats on duty in 1910. (Source: Smithsonian Magazine)
New York City is home to multiple famous cats – including Morris the Cat, Hamlet the Broadway Cat, and more. (Source: Cats About Town)
In 2017, it was reported that Roosevelt Island was home to a massive feral cat population. It became famous for its cat colonies, though many were later rescued. (Source: UnTapped New York)
In 2013, two kittens shut down subway service when they ran loose on the tracks in Brooklyn. The city stopped trains until the kittens were safely rescued! (Source: CBS News)
In the early 20th century, Swain’s Rat and Cat Circus featured trained cats and rats performing together. This act was part of the vaudeville scene and showcased in venues like Huber’s Palace Museum on East 14th Street. (Source: The Hatching Cat of Gotham)