Happy Monday:

• 🌆 Meet the bodega cats of NYC

• 🐈 Cat of the day, Taffy

• 😺 A 7-second habit to add to your morning

• 🐾 Nature got cats right the first time

Did You Know…?

The ___ is a rare breed from Thailand known for its shimmering silver-blue coat and green eyes.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

New Yorkers have a soft spot for their neighborhood bodega cats. Whether they’re lounging by the register or peeking out from behind snack displays, these cats are a familiar, and beloved, part of city life. They may not technically be allowed in stores that sell food, but most customers wouldn’t dream of asking them to leave.

Shop owners say these cats are more than companions. They keep mice at bay, charm regulars, and sometimes even go viral. A fluffy gray bodega cat named Mimi recently racked up over 9 million views on TikTok, turning her entire deli crew into neighborhood celebrities.

Despite their popularity, bodega cats still walk a fine legal line. New York State can fine stores for having animals near food, but enforcement is rare, and many believe these cats do more good than harm.

From nap spots on beer cases to tug-of-war games on prayer rugs, bodega cats are stitched into the fabric of city life. They may not follow the rules, but they sure know how to bring people together.

Daily Purr reader Laurie introduces us to Taffy, a “failed” foster who never left, and clearly, never looked back. What was supposed to be a 3-week stay while the local shelter did renovations turned into a forever home.

Now, three years later, Taffy runs the household (which includes one dog and two other cats). She’s earned her spot at the top and knows it. Just look at that confident pose on her sunroom throne.

Thanks for the sunshine, Laurie! Want to see your cat featured next? Just reply with a photo and a few fun details. We’d love to meet them!

Thank you to Bioma for sponsoring Daily Purr.

For the last ten million years, cats have barely changed, and that’s exactly why they’ve been so successful. New research confirms what most cat lovers already suspect: nature got it right the first time.

Unlike other mammals that kept evolving new shapes, snouts, and diets, cats stuck with one blueprint. Sleek body, slicing teeth, and a baby face that never grows up. Big cats and house cats even share the same skull shape, just sized differently.

Scientists call this “lack of developmental variation.” Cats know it as being perfect. From leaping lions to lounging tabbies, they’ve stayed the course while everything else evolved in circles.

The next time your cat silently judges you from a windowsill, remember: you're looking at ten million years of evolutionary perfection.

From British meows to daring rescues, here’s what’s trending this week:

• 🎙️ Black cat surprises everyone with a meow that sounds British

• 🚗 Man spots tiny kitten in Walmart parking lot and springs into action

• 🚒 Firefighters and owner team up to rescue cat on a telephone pole

Daily Purr is brought to you with love from our cats. We hope they can brighten your day, just like they do ours. ❤️

Love,

Olive, Milo, and Yasmine.

🐱 Bite-Sized Treats

🧐 Did You Know: The Khao Manee is a rare breed from Thailand known for its shimmering silver-blue coat and green eyes.

😸 COTD: Give your kitty the spotlight by submitting them for Cat of the Day. Reply to this email with your best photos of your cat, their name, and a short description for the chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with your cat’s eye color for a surprise in your inbox!