“Shop Cats Of New York”: Photographer Captures Cats In Shops All Over NYC

Shop Cats of New York introduces forty of New York’s favorite felines—all who have an extraordinary story to tell. Popular cat blogger Tamar Arslanian and Instagram pet photographer Andrew Marttila capture these deeply loved and well cared for animals in their city habitat and reveal how they came to reign over their urban kingdoms. A celebration of some of the city’s most revered citizens and a unique look at New York life, this enchanting illustrated volume is a must for every cat lover, and every Big Apple devotee.

More info: Amazon, Instagram (h/t: boredpanda)

Bobo: Japan Market Inc. Chinatown, Manhattan

“While Bobo is prone to knocking over the bamboo plants and breaking a dish or two, he’s exempt from the “You Break You Buy” policy prominently posted on neon-pink paper around the shop.”

Bud: Chenille Cleaners. Midtown West, Manhattan

“For a kitty born in the beginning of 2015, Bud (a girl) is already drawing a high-profile crowd at this Midtown establishment.”

Bud: Chenille Cleaners. Midtown West, Manhattan

Charlie: Park Slope Copy. Park Slope, Brooklyn

“While cats at a copy shop may not make much sense at first, the establishment’s owner pointed out it’s a take on copy cat, which was almost the shop’s name.”

Charlie: Smoke Scene. Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan

Clive: Canine Styles Boutique. Upper East Side, Manhattan

“A cat who maintains the order in a specialized canine boutique.”

Georgie & Me: Moo Shoes. Lower East Side, Manhattan

“An obligate carnivore living in a vegan shoe store.”

Ivy: Neergaard Pharmacy. Park Slope, Brooklyn

“The pharmacy took her in and named her Ivy – not after the plant, but an I.V. It’s a fitting name not only because it’s a pharmacy but because an pharmacist points out, “she got under our skin and into our hearts.”

Jack: Wine Heaven. Gramercy Park, Manhattan

“One may go so far as to call Jack spoiled, or perhaps just very lucky. When not in his private loft space or getting chiropractic adjustment (he has a bad back), Jack can be found lounging on his “Jack Lives Here’ doormat as fans come bearing gifts in the hopes of getting on his good side.”

Jack: Wine Heaven. Gramercy Park, Manhattan

Jasper: Flickinger Glass. Red Hook, Brooklyn

Keetah: Bleecker Street Records. West Village, Manhattan

“There are those who come to Bleecker Street Records, on of the last old-school record stores in New York City, not to coo over the impressive vinyl collection but to visit a gray cat with a white heart-shaped patch on her chest.”

Lionel: Red Caboose. Midtown, Manhattan

“Lionel’s spot at the front of the stores is the perfect place for people watching, petting, treats, and-perhaps most important- bubble wrap, which he enjoys trying to wrangle away from the owner.”

Meow Parlour. Lower East Side, Manhattan

“The pinnacle of shop cats, a cat cafe!”

Sammy: MPH. Chelsea, Manhattan

“Sammy seemed to spend most of his time on the first desk at the front of the office belonging to Cordell, and was “helping” him (“snoopervising”) with orders.”

Sammy: MPH. Chelsea, Manhattan

Sava: Dream Fishing Tackle. Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Spooky: On The Move. Park Slope, Brooklyn

“Spooky navigates the narrow shop with aplomb as bikes, customers, and deliveries come and go throughout the day. He’s never in the way, and always has one eye on the door to make sure he’s not missing out on any action or opportunities for affection.”

Tiny: Community Bookstore. Park Slope, Brooklyn

“Originally the runt of a litter, today Tiny lords over the Community Bookstore in Park Slope, having earned the nickname “Tiny the Usurper” (also his Twitter handle).”

Sava, the cover model of my book. Dream Fishing Tackle, Brooklyn

An outtake of Allegra of C.O. Bigelow Apothecary in Greenwich Village

“Her name is apropos given Ian, the pharmacist and owner, is highly allergic to cats.”

One of these things is not like the other. Can you spot a cat?

Here’s Tamar with one of our models at the Neergaard pharmacy in Brooklyn