Don’t Distract the Cat with Dan Rimada & Gulce Kulkis of Bodega Cats of New York

10/30/2026

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.

Above Photograph © Gulce Kilkis

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.

Diamond sits in front of refrigerated cases inside an Astoria bodega.
Diamond sits in front of refrigerated cases inside an Astoria bodega.
Francesca sits among store inventory inside a Williamsburg bodega.
Francesca sits among store inventory inside a Williamsburg bodega.
Kiki stands on boxes inside a Crown Heights bodega.
Kiki stands on boxes inside a Crown Heights bodega.
Mia Garfield pauses near the doorway inside an Upper East Side bodega.
Mia Garfield pauses near the doorway inside an Upper East Side bodega.
Cappuccino and Juanito stand together inside a Greenwood Heights bodega.
Cappuccino and Juanito stand together inside a Greenwood Heights bodega.
Chapo sits on the counter inside a Bay Ridge bodega.
Chapo sits on the counter inside a Bay Ridge bodega.
Oreo sits on the floor inside a Park Slope bodega.
Oreo sits on the floor inside a Park Slope bodega.
Layla peers over a display inside a Financial District bodega.
Layla peers over a display inside a Financial District bodega.
Nancy sits at the end of an aisle inside a Sunset Park bodega.
Nancy sits at the end of an aisle inside a Sunset Park bodega.
Midnight sits on the counter inside a Fort Wadsworth bodega on Staten Island.
Midnight sits on the counter inside a Fort Wadsworth bodega on Staten…
Omish sits on the counter inside a Park Slope bodega.
Omish sits on the counter inside a Park Slope bodega.
Pepe reaches toward a display inside an East Williamsburg bodega.
Pepe reaches toward a display inside an East Williamsburg bodega.
Papa's store now has some kittens, but they’re not Papa's.
Papa's store now has some kittens, but they’re not Papa's.
The bravest kitten of the litter.
The bravest kitten of the litter.
One of the kittens at the store.
One of the kittens at the store.
Is there anything cuter than a sleeping kitten?
Is there anything cuter than a sleeping kitten?
The kittens' mom in her usual spot on the counter.
The kittens' mom in her usual spot on the counter.
Gulce Kilkis/Bodega Cats of New York

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 how ‘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.”

Prince relaxing amid bodega customers.
Prince relaxing amid bodega customers.
Prince gets curious, standing up from his cardboard box.
Prince gets curious, standing up from his cardboard box.
Prince posing for the camera during a B&H Podcast side quest.
Prince posing for the camera during a B&H Podcast side quest.
Bodega Cats of New York book, writing by Dan Rimada, photographs by Gulce Kilkis
Bodega Cats of New York book, writing by Dan Rimada, photographs by…
Pancha sits beside a display inside a Hell's Kitchen bodega.
Pancha sits beside a display inside a Hell's Kitchen bodega.
Tony watches the aisle from the floor of a Bronx bodega.
Tony watches the aisle from the floor of a Bronx bodega.
Julie after getting some treats.
Julie after getting some treats.
Julie relaxing at her usual spot.
Julie relaxing at her usual spot.
Papa enjoying the passing crowds
Papa enjoying the passing crowds
Papa doesn’t seem happy to be photographed today.
Papa doesn’t seem happy to be photographed today.
Stella is held by a worker inside a Park Slope bodega.
Stella is held by a worker inside a Park Slope bodega.
Smokey peers over a pastry box inside a Midwood bodega.
Smokey peers over a pastry box inside a Midwood bodega.
Prince loves the camera.
Prince loves the camera.
Prince holding court inside his Soho bodega.
Prince holding court inside his Soho bodega.
Prince contemplates jumping on the counter.
Prince contemplates jumping on the counter.
Prince on his usual spot in the store.
Prince on his usual spot in the store.
Dan Rimada & Gulce Kilkis in the podcast studio with host Derek Fahsbender, photo © Grace Massara
Dan Rimada & Gulce Kilkis in the podcast studio with host Derek…
Dan Rimada & Gulce Kilkis portrait, photo © Derek Fahsbender
Dan Rimada & Gulce Kilkis portrait, photo © Derek Fahsbender
Gulce Kilkis/Bodega Cats of New York, except where otherwise indicated in captions

If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please follow us @bhpodcastnetwork and be on the lookout for more inspiring conversations in our new format.

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.
  • 11:03: Gulce’s photo project about street animals in Turkey, and tips for photographing cats by following their lead.
  • 15:14: Tips Dan learned from Gulce about photographing cats: Be Furniture!
  • 18:02: The process behind an actual shoot, dealing with bodega owners, language barriers and the like.
  • 22:06: Style and lighting considerations when photographing bodega cats.
  • 25:51: Dan on when the Bodega Cat project got legs and evolved from iPhone photos to an archive of cat photos, bodega stories—and a publishing deal.
  • 32:40: How to know when a bodega is going to have a cat.
  • 35:30: Backstory to the petition and legislation to protect New York City bodega cats.
  • 42:22: How you can support the bodega cat petition.
  • 43:59: The gut-wrenching story behind the shutdown of the first Bodega Cat Instagram account.  
  • 46:16: Bodega Cat’s sister company Cats About Town Tours.
  • 49:15: Launching an official archive of New York City’s bodega cats, including photos from the public.
  • 50:29: Gulce’s ongoing work for Turkish Street Cats during visits to her family in Turkey.
  • 51:31: When and where to buy the Bodega Cats of New York book?

Guest Bios

Dan Rimada founded New York City's first citywide bodega cat archive. He’s also the author of Bodega Cats of New York, the first full-length nonfiction book about the city's bodega cats, published by Epic Ink, an imprint of Quarto. Dan writes and edits the stories, runs the archive, and organizes the advocacy work. Additionally, in 2025, Dan co-founded Cats About Town Tours, which leads walking tours about the history of cats in New York City.

Gulce Kilkis is the primary photographer for Bodega Cats of New York. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, Gulce ventured to the United States to pursue her passion for image-making. After obtaining an MFA in Film and Television, she began photographing on film sets, where she’s worked for more than 10 years. With extensive experience on different types of sets, Gulce honed her ability to blend seamlessly into the background while capturing candid moments, intricate technical processes, and the emotions that bring stories to life. When not on set, she continually explores new ways to tell stories through images, whether it be street photography, travel photography, or capturing the captivating character of our feline friends—both Turkey's famous street cats and the bodega cats of New York City.

Host: Derek Fahsbender
Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman
Technical Producer: Peter Maziarz
Editor:Dave Moncion
Social Media: Grace Massara
Music: Gabriel Richards
Executive Producer: Dana Glidden