Mimi is a new addition to a local bodega, and is (from what I hear) something of a nemesis to roommate and previous Shop Cat featured Gato Mittens. Mimi seems to have taken over the place and is enjoying a position of new found authority in a cushy bed behind the register. She can also be found monitoring her domain from the the flower display outside.
Christopher resides at a local Carroll Gardens bike shop. There was some debate amongst the folks at the store concerning Chris’ gender. Everybody refers to him as a she - but maybe he is a he? Although really, what is the difference, he is chubby and friendly and older than my rust bucket bike which I might add is a pretty sweet classic 3 speed (circa the 60s). Most notable is that the Chris is probably twice the size of the dog who is also a fixture at the store.
Valentino hangs out at one of the old school realty places on smith. They’ve only had him for 8months but the fellas at the store seem taken with him. As evidence by the huge cat bed and number of toys under one of the desks.
Bonnie hangs out in a pet store in the west village. Ok, it isn’t brooklyn, but she is a cute and chubby shop cat worthy of a post. I was pretty amazed at Bonnie’s casual attitude towards rush hour foot and car traffic.
Max and his buddy Rufus hang out at our local pet supply store. They are extremely affectionate - especially Rufus.
Rufus
Max (and his little moustache)
Meet Little Girl, my most favorite of all shop cats in the neighborhood- I happily give her the “Best Shop Cat of the Nabe” award. She helps run the show at a local luncheonette, greeting customers, saving a chair for her favorite folks or playing with her good friend Zeus (Chihuahua). If you run into her, she’ll much appreciate a good rub under her chin.
Ain’t she the cutest? I’m also told “she loves plastic!”
Little Girl sleeps in on weekdays mornings, staying clear of the traffic in her box above one of the drink fridges.
A new Gato Del Dia feature will introduce you to our local neighborhood shop cats.
Meet Mittens, a chubby and rather handsome gato with a love of organic produce and a friendly face rub. I learned that while he/she may raise his butt up in what looks to be an invitation to scratch his hinder- this is actually NOT his favorite place for a rub down. During this past snowy season, he actually jumped into my arms - although I’m not sure if it was because he liked me, or because there was some cold slush on the floor and he preferred to be escorted around the store.