More Than Mousers

Two sibling kitties show that shop cats bring benefits to Dennis and Orleans Agway stores.

Who are Rooster and Biscuit

28 February 2025 - DENNIS, MA - Rooster and Biscuit form the feline squad at the Orleans and Dennis Agway stores -- patrolling, greeting, sharing a friendly meow and carrying on a long tradition of shop cats.

What is a shop cap?

Store cats, shop cats, or bodega cats (if you're in New York City!) have been around pretty much as long as their have been stores. They fend off pests, entertain customers, befriend store staff and in general bring a compelling feline presence that weaves itself around both shoppers and staff like a furry comforting hug. And now Cape Cod boasts two more shop cats: Rooster and Biscuit.

How did the cats find a home at Agway?

This feline place their paw prints at the Dennis and Orleans Agway stores. According to Kristin Williams, Agway Merchandising Supervisor, a serendipitous interaction with a customer led to the store's embrace of its furry staff. Two baby kitties needed a home; did anyone at Agway know of anyone looking for a cat? Inspired, the stores said yes.

The brother kittens moved in, applied that well-known cat charm, and will be celebrating their first birthday on April 1st comfortably ensconced among the cat toys, dog food, and garden tools. Rooster rules the roost in Dennis, while Biscuit hold court in Orleans.

What do the cats do at the stores?

Like shop cats from time immortal, Rooster and Biscuit bring a smile to the face of customers, generate conversation and connection, and -  in Agway's case - even help demo products like cat toys and treats.

But it's Rooster and Biscuit’s empathy that makes them the real stars of the store. From customers missing their furbabies to employees having a rough day, a kitty-snuggle makes all the difference. And for these shop cats, a meow, a purr, and loving head bump are just part of a good day's work.