Bodega Cats of New York | Cats and their Bodegas

Everyone knows that a cat has nine lives. But this famous proverb has a second part: "…For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays." It's a fitting story arc for this week's podcast with Dan Rimada and Gulce Kilkis of Bodega Cats of New York, whose local passion project has grown into something that stays: an archive, a photo book, and a push for legislation.

Dan and Gulce's chat with Derek tracks the Bodega Cats initiative from its start on Instagram through its growth into a definitive archive of cat photos and bodega stories—and even a publishing deal. Along the way, Dan also reveals the initial fallout he received from animal rescuers, which led him to start a funding petition for bodega cats. Even more notable is his heartfelt efforts to legalize bodega cats on both city and state levels. Once passed, this groundbreaking legislation will offer New York's "working cats" access to funding for veterinary care and other resources.

And the episode wouldn't be complete without a discussion of the creative process, including Gulce's photo tips for being a cat whisperer. As Dan notes, "When we first started shooting, she said something along the lines of like, "Be furniture." In other words, just blend into the environment. Don't distract the cat. Don't pose it. Definitely don't pick it up and put it on something. She was always very strict about… 'we want to observe the cat in its natural environment, so that means don't stage anything.' We don't need to, right?  These cats will pose when they want to."

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Guests: Dan Rimada & Gulce Kilkis

Episode Timeline:

0:00: Dan Rimada & Gulce Kilkis

2:16: Gulce's photography path before the cats.

5:00: The backstory to Dan starting an Instagram project about bodega cats in New York. 

8:13: The Bodega Cats initiative as Dan's creative outlet during Covid.