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What do stray cats and politicians share in common? Not much at first glance, but they can actually benefit from one another. During election seasons, political signs proliferate along roadsides and in residential yards to promote various candidates and initiatives. But what becomes of these signs once the voting concludes? Typically, they end up discarded. However, Kelly Broodry, a retired engineer from Pocatello, Idaho, has ingeniously repurposed these signs into cozy shelters for homeless cats.
The Creative Spark for the Initiative
The concept of converting leftover campaign signage into cat shelters originated from a friend’s challenge. Always eager for a creative endeavor, Broodry was tasked with finding a practical application for the numerous political signs that are usually thrown away after elections. Given that these signs are constructed from corrugated plastic—a material not commonly accepted by recycling facilities—Broodry devised an innovative solution that not only reuses this material but also provides shelter to stray cats. By transforming the signs into insulated and weather-resistant havens, she offers felines a warm refuge during harsh winter months.
Benefits of Cat Shelters
While there are concerns regarding stray cats’ effects on local wildlife, providing them with designated shelters can deter them from seeking refuge in unwanted areas such as sheds or porches. These shelters offer safe havens away from inclement weather conditions. Furthermore, by supplying shelter options, individuals can contribute to managing feral cat populations effectively—this reduces disease transmission risks while enhancing opportunities for humane interventions like spaying and neutering programs aimed at controlling overpopulation.
Constructing Your Own Cat Shelter
To create your own cat shelter inspired by Broodry’s design, gather 13 feet of 2×2 lumber along with 18×24-inch political signage made preferably from fluted polypropylene. You will also need wood screws, silicone sealant, and straw for bedding materials. Start by cutting the wood to form the frame structure; then cut the campaign signs into sections to assemble insulated walls as well as roof and floor panels. Create an entrance hole about seven inches wide on one panel before assembling everything together using screws while sealing edges with silicone to ensure weather resistance. Finally fill your newly built shelter with straw to provide warmth during cold spells! For comprehensive guidance including images on how to build this shelter step-by-step visit the free resource available through Bingham County Humane Society’s website.
Getting Involved: How You Can Help
You can make a difference by collecting unused campaign signage post-election season which could be transformed into shelters for homeless cats! A great way is utilizing social media platforms or neighborhood apps like Nextdoor where you can request donations of old yard signs within your community after elections conclude! Additionally reach out directly towards local animal rescue organizations or animal welfare groups who may express interest in participating within such projects—or consider initiating similar efforts locally yourself! These organizations might connect you further with other citizens passionate about building more cat-friendly spaces!
The article titled How To Upcycle Campaign Signs Into Cat Shelters originally appeared on Popular Science.
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