A new addition at the Wood County Humane Society is bringing joy and excitement to its feline residents, thanks to the creativity and hard work of a local Boy Scout.
Lily Rader, a member of Boy Scout Troop 9344, has constructed an intricate “cat wall” for the shelter’s cats, providing them with an interactive and engaging space to climb, play, and relax. The project includes swinging bridges, soft hammocks, and easy-to-clean steps, offering both mental stimulation and physical activity for the cats.
A freshman at Bowling Green High School, Lily undertook this project as part of her journey to achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout rank. Combining her love for cats with the community service component of scouting, she approached the Wood County Humane Society to see how she could help. Shelter staff suggested a makeover of their existing, worn-out cat wall, which consisted of unstable wire mesh shelves.
Lily, who admits to having a soft spot for felines over dogs, took on the challenge of designing a new and improved structure. “They’re playful, they’re cute, and they’re a little more calm than dogs,” Lily said, explaining her connection with cats.
She set to work building a sturdy, engaging space for the cats. Using materials such as PVC piping and painted beads, Lily assembled swinging bridges, created custom cat hammocks, and constructed cozy hideaways for the more introverted cats. With help from troop parents, holes were drilled into the concrete walls to securely mount the shelves, and fellow scouts pitched in to bring the structure to life, complete with pom-poms for batting practice.
The new cat wall has quickly become a hit with the shelter’s residents. Kelly Wolbert, the interim manager at the humane society, expressed her gratitude for the project, noting that the cats seem to love their new playground. “We really appreciate the work they did—and so do the kitties,” Wolbert said.
The cat wall offers much-needed vertical space for the cats to climb, which Wolbert emphasized is vital for their physical and mental well-being. “It’s a wonderful addition,” she said. “They really enjoy it.”
Lily’s design was built to last, even under the weight of the shelter’s largest cats. During testing, staff were concerned whether the hammocks could support the 15-pound feline heavyweight, but the structure held firm. “Which is how we knew they were going to be OK,” Wolbert said with a smile.
Despite spending plenty of time with the shelter’s cats during the project, Lily resisted the urge to bring another one home. She already has a rescue cat named Pebbles, who wandered onto her family’s porch during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lily’s mom couldn’t resist feeding the stray, and soon enough, Pebbles became a beloved member of the Rader family.
Lily’s involvement in scouting was inspired by her brother Quinn, who is also a member of Troop 9344. “It seemed more interesting,” she said of Boy Scouting, explaining her decision to join. Now, she’s part of a growing number of girls in the troop, many of whom also have brothers or fathers involved in scouting.
With her Eagle project complete and the cats thoroughly entertained, Lily has left a lasting impact on both her troop and the Wood County Humane Society.
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