When the theme of this year’s Village Halloween Parade was announced, it caused quite a stir – or purr, as it were. The “Meow” theme encourages cat ladies to unite for an evening stroll through the streets of the West Village on Halloween night.

Although cats have long been associated with the holiday, they are being put in even more of a spotlight this year. With JD Vance’s sexist comments about “childless cat ladies” in the background, cats are having a moment in New York City as a symbol of snark and even resistance (and cuteness, of course). In honor of National Cat Day (on October 29), we decided to capture these feline festivities in this budding meow moment.

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As for the parade, an event director told NBC 4, “We’re not being political.” Instead, she said the theme is presented as a sign of the times. Nevertheless, parade organizers are encouraging all cat ladies to don their tails and whiskers and join the ball — and thousands of them will likely do so on Halloween night.

“We would have liked to have remained aloof – poised and peaceful among the houseplants on the windowsill or stretched out among the books spread out on the lounger,” according to the parade website. “But we have heard the call and the time has come to mark our territory. We did not ask for this fight, but when the Cat’s honor is at stake, Cats and Ladies will rise (… after a yearning piece) every moment.”

In a much more political sentiment, the crew finds out Titanique the musical recently offered Childless Cat Lady Nights with ticket discounts. “No, but really. Calling all ‘childless cat ladies’: join us aboard the Ship of Dreams,” the musical’s team wrote on Instagram. They even tagged Taylor Swift in the comments inviting her on board.

They followed up the piece with frequent Childless Cat Lady trivia on Instagram.

A little earlier this year was the Broadway musical Cats took the stage with a fresh new version called Cats: The Jellicle Ball. This summer’s rendition focused on a ballroom runway competition led by royal André De Shields (he’s also the grand marshal for this year’s Village Halloween Parade). The redesigned version received praise from critics, among others Time-out‘s very own.

“Instead of feline imitation, it serves the realness of the pussy, darling – always with an underlying understanding, as with the balls themselves, that realness itself is a kind of performance,” Time-outAdam Feldman wrote in a four-star review.

Meanwhile, a walking tour called Cats About Town was launched as the self-proclaimed first walking tour for cat lovers. The tour, led by cat historian Peggy Gavan, delves into New York’s untold history “where the city’s most enigmatic inhabitants – the cats – shaped the streets with their silent paws.” Believe it or not, there’s enough content for two iterations of the tour, one in Brooklyn and one in the Financial District.

“From the street cats of Brooklyn Heights to the beloved companions of Manhattan, you’ll see the city’s history through a new, enchanting lens—one where every cat has its moment in the spotlight,” promises the tour leader.

Finally, we end with the humble bodega cat, the guardian of our snacks, the security detail that bounces rogue rodents back onto the streets. An icon of New York City since the early 20th century, the bodega cat is now gaining extra attention thanks to ShopCatsShow’s viral videos on Instagram, documenting these fantastic felines throughout the city. From Pumpkin in Williamsburg to Smokey in Bed-Stuy, creator Michelladonna captures the personality and panache of each cat.

According to New York-based blog Bodega Cats, having a cat helps create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making customers more likely to stick around and chat. Moreover, the bodega cat can even serve as a therapy animal and provide emotional support in difficult times.

“Bodega cats hold a special place in the hearts of many New Yorkers,” as the blog aptly puts it. “They symbolize the city’s vibrant immigrant history, a reminder of the importance of community, and a source of comfort and companionship for those who need it most. So the next time you visit a bodega, take a moment to say hello to the feline that lives there. – you might just make a new furry friend.”