What do stray cats and politicians have in common? Well, not much, but they can help each other. Every election cycle, political billboards appear on roadsides and in neighborhood yards advertising different candidates and voting activities. But what happens to these signs once the election is over? In most cases, they get thrown in the trash. But Kelly Brudry, a retired engineer from Pocatello, Idaho, has found a creative way to turn these signs into warm shelters for stray cats.
Inspiration behind the project
The idea to turn leftover campaign signs into a cat shelter started as a challenge from a friend. Always eager for creative projects, Bourdry was asked to find practical uses for many political signs that are usually discarded after an election. These signs are made from corrugated plastic, which is not widely accepted by recycling centers, so Bourdry has developed a solution that not only reuses the material, but also helps feral cats. Broodry turns signs into weatherproof, insulated shelters that provide cats with a warm, safe place to stay during the colder months.
Impact of cat shelters
There are concerns that feral cats may impact native wildlife, but providing shelter for feral cats can prevent them from taking shelter in areas such as sheds, balconies, and crawl spaces. Plus, it gives you a safe place to escape the elements. By providing shelter, individuals can also help manage feral cat populations, reducing the spread of disease and increasing opportunities for humane interventions such as spay/neuter programs to help control overpopulation.
Image: Courtesy of Kelly Brudy
How to make a cat shelter
To build a cat shelter designed by Broodry, collect 13 feet of 2-by-2 lumber and an 18-by-24-inch political sign, preferably made of fluted polypropylene. You will also need wood screws, silicone, and bedding straws. Start by cutting the wood to form the frame. Next, cut the sign into sections and sandwich them together to create insulated walls, roof, and floor panels. Next, drill an entrance hole in one of the panels about 7 inches in diameter. Assemble the frame, attach the panels, and seal with silicone for weather protection. Finally, fill the shelter with straw to keep it warm. For more detailed instructions, download the complete step-by-step cat shelter instructions with photos that Brudley shares for free on the Bingham County Humane Society website.
How can we help?
You can collect unused election signs from recent elections and donate them to build a shelter for stray cats. A great way to do this is to put out a call on social media or neighborhood apps like Nextdoor and collect signatures from your area once the election is over. Next, contact your local animal shelter or rescue organization to see if they’re interested in such a project, or consider starting a similar effort in your area. Shelters can connect with local rescuers and citizens who are interested in building cat shelters.
