PROJECT TITLE
Kitty Katcher: A Kinder, Gentler Cat Trap
PROJECT GOAL: KittyKatcher addresses the ethical and economic inequities Tri-City Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) volunteers face in managing cat populations. We chose these inequities because they reflect our area's systemic burden of the inability to allocate limited resources towards prevention. It also aligns with UNSDG 15.8's initiative to reduce invasive species impacts. Our gentler cat-trapping system provides a cost-effective, humane solution, alleviating financial strain on citizens and organizations in our community while mitigating shelter overcrowding and overly necessitating euthanasia.
Our proposed solution is a portable and durable cat trap, with the primary function being a motion sensor that, when triggered three times, will activate built-in comfort functions to ensure the captured feline remains comfortable. Our prototype also includes other features such as food, bedding, and a cat toy, which are incorporated to add to the cat’s comfort, reducing the physical and emotional strain that comes with handling aggressive strays. There is also an app equipped with a live camera and informative resources. Affordability is one of the key inequities that we sought to address, so by using accessible materials to create an ethical solution for population control, we can allow economic resources to be allocated towards neutering programs. The app itself addresses the project goals by fostering collaboration between civilians and organizations that alike, face many financial inequities. Our prototype uses innovation to prioritize both efficiency, and compassion.
