Just under the bridge in Landrum, six stray cats gather for their usual feeding time. Running out of the bushes, they crowd around food bowls. But the onslaught of winter weather brings worry for how the animals will stay warm in the cold. BFA student Rachel Paxitzis sought to combat this by building a cat house.
“I wanted to provide them…a permanent space that they could enjoy, that would keep them warm and dry,” Paxitzis said. “And since I like to do a lot of building, welding, woodworking in my artwork as well, I thought that I now have the skills that I could potentially do it.”
The cats, having resided on campus for two years, are jointly cared for by students and faculty of NKU. In Landrum, the facilities crew manages the cats’ food, as well as provides toys, blankets and treats for them, donated by others.
This past summer, Paxitzis learned about the cats’ existence. As a student in spatial arts who often works on campus projects, she felt compelled to create something for them. The finished product is a sanctuary equipped with features such as insulated blankets, scratching posts and toys. Most of the materials Paxitzis used were donated or scavenged, such as the wood.
“For someone like me who used to work with hammers and nails, it’s really great, because it gives me a chance to really test that skill level,” Paxitzis said. “I wanted to make sure that not only was it structurally sound, but that it would house at least six of the cats…and that they would all have their individual space that would be warm and insulated and waterproofed enough.”
Over the summer, Paxitzis built a lounge area behind the Ceramics and Sculpture building, complete with couches and chairs she made herself. Paxitzis also worked with fellow art students on a mural in Norse Commons, depicting a dragon in Loch Norse. Paxitzis sees creating these types of projects as fulfilling.
“My art that I make, you’ll probably never see in a gallery,” Paxitzis said. “I want to make art to be enjoyed for the public, but it generally will have a utility purpose as well.”
The cats of Landrum have accrued a large following, where there even exists an Instagram page dedicated to the felines. Inside Landrum, posters and boards hold discussions over the cats and their names, as well as information on what the cats may need.
Paxitzis hopes to raise awareness of these cats so that others may be encouraged to donate their affection, or some toys and treats.
“If anyone wants to get involved, we should unite,” Paxitzis said. “We can help feed the cats on daily basis. We can help sponsor them, buy food, come hang out with them, socialize them. It’s something that is a wonderful thing that everybody can feel good about, and they can feel like they’re making a difference in their just day to day with just a little time and effort.”