Paws and Politics: The Pets Behind NYC’s 2025 Mayoral Candidates
From Gracie Mansion to Cat Sanctuaries: Pets in Politics
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New York City is a pet lover’s paradise, with over 1.1 million households dotting its boroughs with furry friends—roughly 600,000 dogs and 500,000 cats, according to the NYC Economic Development Corporation. In a city where dog runs and cat cafes are as iconic as yellow cabs, it’s no surprise that mayoral candidates often lean into their pet-owning personas to charm voters. From campaign trail cuddles to policy pushes for animal welfare, pets can reveal a candidate’s heart—or at least their knack for optics. So, who among the 2025 NYC mayoral hopefuls—Eric Adams, Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa—has a four-legged (or feathered) sidekick, and what does it say about their leadership style?
Eric Adams: From Veganism to Dog Dad?
Mayor Eric Adams, known for his vegan-turned-“plant-based” lifestyle, hasn’t been spotted with a personal pet in recent years, but his administration’s focus on animal welfare speaks volumes. Adams, who once banned foie gras in NYC to curb animal cruelty, champions a disciplined, health-conscious image that extends to how he governs the city’s furry residents. His Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare has pushed initiatives like the new Staten Island Animal Care Center, dedicated to connecting pets with families. While Adams may not be a “dog dad” in the traditional sense, his public appearances—like joining NYPD animal rescue events—show a calculated empathy. His wellness-driven ethos suggests a leader who sees animal welfare as part of a broader, structured vision for a humane city. But without a pet at Gracie Mansion, some voters might wonder if his heart’s truly in the dog park.
Zohran Mamdani: A Cat Person in Politics?
Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist shaking up the 2025 race, keeps his personal life relatively private, and no public record confirms he’s a pet owner. A scan of his X account reveals no cat selfies or dog walk posts, but his progressive platform indirectly champions pet-friendly policies. Mamdani’s push for tenant rights, like rent freezes and eviction protections, could make life easier for pet owners facing housing instability—a real issue as shelters overflow with surrendered animals. If Mamdani were a cat person, it’d fit his introspective, independent vibe: a leader who values community but marches to his own drum. Without a furry companion in the spotlight, his animal welfare stance remains tied to his broader fight for affordability, suggesting a mayor who’d prioritize systemic fixes over photo-op cuddles.
Andrew Cuomo: Loyal to Dogs and Image
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s German shepherd, Captain, became a viral co-star during his 2021 resignation drama, often seen lounging at the governor’s mansion. Captain’s presence painted Cuomo as a loyal, relatable “dog guy,” but the pup also sparked controversy when reports surfaced that Cuomo left him behind post-resignation, prompting public outcry over his commitment. The “dog drama” reflected Cuomo’s knack for image-making—and the pitfalls of mismanaging it. As governor, he signed laws strengthening animal cruelty penalties, aligning with his brand of decisive, power-driven leadership. Captain’s loyalty mirrored Cuomo’s own narrative of steadfastness, but the abandonment saga hinted at a disconnect between public persona and private actions. In the 2025 race, expect Cuomo to lean on that “man’s best friend” vibe to soften his scandal-scarred image.
Curtis Sliwa: Guardian of the Cats
Curtis Sliwa, the red-bereted Republican and Guardian Angels founder, is the undisputed pet champion of the 2025 race, sharing his 320-square-foot apartment with 17 rescue cats (down from a reported 18 after one passed). From Gizmo, who made headlines at a 2021 polling site, to Whiskers, featured in campaign posts, Sliwa’s feline army is central to his brand. He’s vowed to turn Gracie Mansion into a cat sanctuary and pushes policies like no-kill shelters and subsidized vet care, as seen in his “Protect Animals” ballot line. His cat obsession reflects a scrappy, fiercely independent persona—loyal to his boroughs and unafraid to claw back at opponents. Voters in 2021 ate up his animal advocacy, and in 2025, his cat dad energy positions him as the everyman’s champion, even if his long-shot bid faces a tough climb.
Closing Thoughts: What Pets Reveal About Power
Pets humanize politicians, offering a glimpse into their emotional wiring. Sliwa’s chaotic cat household screams authenticity and grit, mirroring his outsider campaign. Cuomo’s Captain saga reflects a calculated loyalty that can falter under scrutiny. Adams’ pet-less but policy-driven approach suggests discipline over sentimentality, while Mamdani’s lack of a public pet aligns with his focus on systemic change over personal flair. In a city where dogs bark on every corner and cats rule the bodegas, a candidate’s pet—or lack thereof—shapes their vibe. Will voters crave Sliwa’s feline frenzy, Cuomo’s canine comeback, Adams’ structured empathy, or Mamdani’s quiet revolution?
Stay tuned for more 2025 mayoral race updates.
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