Students and Community Unite to Enhance Shelter Cats’ Living Spaces

High Country Humane’s initiative to enhance the lives of its feline residents has turned into a collaborative effort involving students, local businesses, and community members. This project aimed at upgrading the shelter’s catio brings together a shared passion for providing a better environment for the cats.

Community Collaboration for a Cause

Jessica “J.R.” MacKenzie, a professor of interior design at the School of Art + Design, was approached by Tresban Rivera, the former executive director of High Country Humane. Rivera sought MacKenzie’s expertise for remodeling the shelter’s outdoor catio, after securing a grant from Purina. MacKenzie, a cat enthusiast and designer, eagerly accepted the opportunity and enlisted help from Northern Arizona University (NAU) students and local businesses.

“It took about a year,” MacKenzie said. “I created the initial concept, and through collaboration with professionals in our community, the design evolved into the finished space. There was a lot to consider in terms of physical design, like daily maintenance and the ever-changing seasonal weather in Flagstaff. However, I also wanted to integrate cat psychology and behavior into the design to make it a special space for them to de-stress and be themselves.”

Artistic Touches and Student Engagement

One of the standout features of the project is a four-wall mural crafted by emerging artist Serina Boynton. This mural, depicting the Flagstaff landscape with a whimsical, anime-inspired style, was painted with the help of 25 NAU interior design students. MacKenzie emphasized the educational aspect, allowing students to experience the full process of mural creation and installation.

“Participating in the project made me feel very good,” said Heiley Unseth, a junior studying interior design. “I am a big animal lover and enjoyed helping create this space for the cats while giving back to the Flagstaff community. I learned that even this area of design isn’t just about the visual appeal of a space, but the functionality and enjoyability for both people and animals.”

The mural incorporates towering mountains, clouds shaped like cats, and painted pine trees featuring local wildlife. Tiny cats engage in activities like snowboarding and fishing, adding a playful element to the design.

Innovative Design for Feline Comfort

MacKenzie’s design included a division in the space to separate adult cats from kittens. The team focused on durability and flexibility, accounting for sanitation and weather conditions. A block wall system was implemented as the main divider, allowing cats to explore through openings and pockets. Various cat towers and furniture pieces were designed to be rearranged as needed.

The catio transformation was supported by Sutton Boynton, a welder, and Tom Gebler, a flooring expert. This project offered students insight into the practical aspects of design, including material knowledge, construction, installation, and budgeting.

“The overall aesthetic of a space has an impact on our psychological impression of it and how we feel when we live in them, work in them or in this case—helping cats be cats in them,” MacKenzie explained. “Design should be human-focused—or cat-focused—and I wanted the students to understand how some of the things we do in the built environment can have an impact on the quality of life. I also want them to see that art does have an impact on a space. At its core, design is about creating better experiences, stronger communities, and more meaningful places to live.”

Mariana Laas | NAU Communications
(928) 523-5050 | mariana.laas@nau.edu