Local Food Movement Starts to Take Hold in Cat Community

Local Food Movement Starts to Take Hold in Cat Community

By Anna Washenko, FluffPo Correspondent

Mollie the cat is a regular fixture at the Green City Market in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. Vendors have started to easily recognize the black and white cat, who buys roughly half of her weekly food from local farmers.

“Mollie is really passionate about the local produce movement,” close friend Tina Sheldon told The Fluffington Post as the duo shopped for kale. “She’s got a hookup for the best dairy I’ve ever tasted.”

Mollie’s story is growing more common. According to data from the Pew Charitable Trusts, cats now account for 7% of all revenue at farmer’s markets and farm stands in North America. That might not seem like a lot, but it’s up five-fold in just two years.

There are some drawbacks to having a larger feline presence at food markets, however. 

Fishmonger Brandon Neczyn, who also sells at the Green City Market, recalls the first time he met Mollie.

“I was wrapping up some beautiful tuna steaks for a customer and out of nowhere, she launched herself at me,” he said. “I love that cats are starting to care about where their food comes from, but I really wonder if a fish market is a good place to have a bunch of hungry kitties around.”

FluffPo Exclusive.

Love animals as much as we do? Check out explore.org’s network of live cams on bears, baby birds, puppies, kittens and more.