VIDEO: La Crosse high school students and local firefighters joined forces Tuesday to transform potentially dangerous household items into something beneficial for cats. The group built cat scratching posts using 100 throw rugs that were collected during the city’s “Mugs for Rugs” fall prevention campaign. The campaign encouraged residents to remove throw rugs from their homes to reduce fall hazards, especially for older adults. These donated rugs are now getting a second life as they’ll eventually make their way to the Coulee Region Humane Society, where they’ll provide entertainment and exercise for cats awaiting adoption.
Ayda Weege, a La Crosse Central High School senior involved in the project, explained the unique initiative. “They did a donation drive where they collected a bunch of rugs with the idea of getting them out of the homes to remove that fall risk and we’re turning them into cat posts,” Weege said. “So, it’s a really unique way to give back and upcycle something.” The finished cat scratching posts are also available for purchase.
