Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins Valentino, one of many photogenic felines featured in "Shop Cats of New York."

Tamar Arslanian knows that shop cats aren’t just cute, they can play a vital role in a city like New York that can feel a bit cold and brutal at times.

It all started when she started posting photos of two shop cats in her neighborhood — Jack, who lives at a wine shop and Kitty, who resides at a pilates studio — on social media, and was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and interest of her fellow New Yorkers. Many of them had favorite local shop cats of their own.

“It’s then I began to realize how pervasive shop cats were in the city, and the important role they played in adding a touch of warmth – a sense of community even – in a place that can sometimes feel overwhelming and impersonal,” she told HuffPost in an email.

That realization inspired Arslanian to write “Shop Cats of New York,” a book that explores the lesser-known lives of the city’s most adored felines. She teamed up with photographer Andrew Marttila, who shot gorgeous portraits of the book’s furry stars.

Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins Matilda of the Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan. Having a resident "Algonquin cat" is a longstanding tradition at the hotel. A former shelter cat, Matilda now lives a life of luxury.

Arslanian had some important criteria for which cats she included.

“First and foremost, I wanted to to feel confident the cats were well cared for and beloved,” she said.

As it turns out, she was pleasantly surprised by just how great the cats’ lives seemed to be.

“My biggest ‘ah ha’ was realizing the level of stimulation and attention these cats received in comparison to most house cats, mine included,” she said. “I see my cats for about an hour before work and a few hours in the evenings during the week, but I can’t say I’m actively playing with them for very long. It made me realize the level of enrichment these cats were receiving on a daily basis. In some ways they could be viewed as having fuller lives than most cats living in more traditional homes.”

That’s one reason why Arslanian would like to see more animal shelters and rescue groups be open to adopting out cats to businesses, not just traditional residences.

“Businesses could be vetted as are most adopters, and assessed to ensure the business and cat are a good fit for one another,” she said, noting that of course not all cats have personalities that would be suited to that environment.

See a selection of Marttila’s photos from the book below.

Jeffie Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins Known as "King Jeffie," he helps keeps mice away at Kings County Distillery in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Kitty Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins Exercise enthusiast at Sal Anthony Movement Salon in Union Square, Manhattan.

Bud Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins A major draw for visitors to Chenille Cleaners in Midtown, Manhattan.

Patti Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins A "customer therapist" at Tent and Trails in Manhattan's Financial District, she sports a sparkly "diamond" collar.

Matilda Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins Mascot and official greeter of the Algonquin Hotel in Times Square, Manhattan. You can follow her on Instagram here.

Georgie Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins One of two cat helpers who preside over the merchandise at Moo Shoes in the Lower East Side, Manhattan.

Valentino Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins Valentino, of Carroll Gardens Realty Company in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Valentino got his name after being rescued from the snowy streets as a tiny kitten on Valentine's Day.

Tiny Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins Nicknamed "Tiny the Usurper," he lives at Community Bookstore in Park Slope, Brooklyn and has his own Twitter account.

Keetah Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins Music aficionado at Bleecker Street Records in the West Village, Manhattan. Sadly, Keetah has died, and the store closed, since this photo was taken.

Sammy Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins Charmer at MPH, a messenger/courier service in Chelsea, Manhattan.

Sava Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins This resident of Dream Fishing Tackle in Greenpoint, Brooklyn made the cover of the book.

Spooky Andrew Marttila/HarperCollins Rescued as a kitten found at a construction site, Spooky now rules On The Move bike shop in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where he runs to greet customers at the door.