Store Cat Georgie Brings Joy to Vegan Shoe Shop
Meet Georgie, the 11-year-old cat who has made quite a name for herself at Mooche, a vegan shoe store on the Lower East Side. According to owner Erika Kuvalsky, she’s been a dedicated staff member for nearly a decade.
Georgie is the only cat featured in a new book celebrating the lives of working felines across New York City. The book, titled “Shop Cats of New York,” showcases numerous cats, including Georgie, who serve various roles—from mouse catchers to fluffy store mascots and even in-house therapists.
Kuvalsky describes Georgie’s famous greeting style: “When customers come in, she loves to snuggle up to them.” It’s not uncommon for locals to stop by just to say hello to their beloved store mascot.
When she’s not busy charming customers, Georgie relaxes on a pink “throne” near the cash register, surrounded by toys gifted by her fans. “She gets a lot of attention during the day, but I think at night, it’s different for her,” Kuvalsky adds. “She spends time alone at the store but comes home for dinner and cuddles.”
The project surrounding “Shop Cats of New York” aims to highlight how responsible store owners can provide homes for cats like Georgie, who might need more social interaction than traditional house pets. Tamar Arslanian, the book’s author and cat blogger, notes, “The experience really opened my eyes. It’s better than keeping them cooped up at home.”
Other shops join the movement, too. For instance, Compreat Sculptor in Chelsea has regular vet check-ups for their cat, Ralphie, who’s seen as more than just a store mascot. Owner Marc Fields remarks, “He’s always curious about everything we do.”
At Myers of Keswick, Grace, another shop cat, keeps watch over the store, ensuring a mouse-free environment. “She’s an integral part of our team,” says owner Jennifer Pridri. “It helps us maintain our health rating.”
Arslanian believes these store cats contribute significantly to the city, creating unique communities in their respective shops. “They’re all around, yet many people don’t notice them,” she reflects. “In a way, they make the city feel a bit smaller and cozier.”
The original edition of the book released in 2016 gained popularity among cat enthusiasts, yet it took a backseat during the pandemic. The revised edition, set to launch on September 9, features over 20 new shop cats, expanding upon the stories from the first book.
Filming for the expansion took place over a week last year, according to photographer Andrew Martira, who emphasizes a patient approach to capturing the cats. “The best photos happen when they feel comfortable around me,” he shares.
Martira recounts a particular photo shoot featuring a cat named Rant, who had a reputation for being a bit standoffish. “It was a challenge, but also a lot of fun,” he admits, noting the rewarding interactions he had with the animals.
At Casey Rubber Stamp in the East Village, the cat named Rant now greets visitors daily from her cozy window perch. Meanwhile, John Casey creates custom stamps featuring Rant’s likeness, merging his artistic endeavors with his love for furry friends.
“Living in New York and making friends with all these cats? It’s just awesome,” Martira adds, reflecting on the charm of city life where even the shop cats have their loyal following.
