Ohio University’s Crochet Club and All 9 Lives organization are collaborating to host an adorable photo shoot of cats up for adoption dressed up in hand-crafted cat sweaters.
All 9 Lives is a partner of the Athens Humane Society and was formed in the fall of 2023. The club strives to promote awareness of the stray cat population and the de-stigmatization of “grief around pet loss.”
Jess Mitchell, a senior studying biological sciences pre-veterinary, is the president of All 9 Lives and said Alyssa Goodenow, the founder and OU alumnae, started the organization to create an environment where cat lovers can socialize.
“She made it in memory of her emotional support cat Hank, who died of a neurological issue at two super unexpectedly,” Mitchell said. “So she kind of made it as a memory to him and also to help other cats.”
Mitchell said some of the club activities include building outdoor cat houses for strays and hosting “bring your own cat” meetings.
Peta claims there are 60-100 million feral cats in the U.S. due to a lack of care, socialization and trust in people. Some cats are abandoned while others are homeless, and a plethora carry diseases including feline AIDS and leukemia.
These diseases can pose a threat to wildlife. The American Bird Conservancy says homeless cats “kill millions of birds and small mammals in the U.S. each year,” in addition to endangered species. A portion of these feral cats can be found roaming the streets of Athens, longing for permanent owners and comfortable homes.
Allison Winland, a junior studying sociology pre-law, is the president and founder of Crochet Club and started the organization in 2023. Winland said the club has over 100 members enrolled, but 20 students consistently attend each meeting.
“We just come and hang out, listen to music (and) watch movies,” Winland said. “We do a few special events here and there.”
Some of the club’s events include an Earth Day sale, a Valentine's Day party and a collaboration with the Marshall Honeybee Foundation. Ryan said sale items range between $10-$20, and the profits are donated to other organizations or used to purchase crochet materials.
It is safe to say both organizations share a similar goal: to benefit the Athens neighborhood and assist those in need. Hallie Shea, a junior studying sociology pre-law and political science, is the Crochet Club’s secretary and joined in fall semester 2023.
Shea said she discovered All 9 Lives at OU’s involvement fair in 2024 and was excited when the photo shoot was finally announced.
“I was like, ‘Hey what would you think about a collaboration?’ and then I talked to our president and we got it set up,” Shea said. “We will be able to take cute little pictures with the cats and who doesn't love a cat in a sweater?”
Crochet Club has been working hard to create cat outfits, as members have to account for sizing and color patterns. From sweaters to hats to beds, each cat will be dressed to the nines and ready to find their forever home.
“I think anytime that different organizations, who otherwise look outwardly unlikely, but are able to come together for a common good or common goal is a really inspiring thing,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said there are currently 10 cats on the adoption record but the numbers can fluctuate after kitten season. Over the summer there were 60 cats in need of homes.
“The more cats we get adopted, the more cats we can take in,” Mitchell said. “The more lives we can save, the more publicity we get in this way, and also it betters nonprofits in general.”
The photo shoot will be March 21 and feature a variety of cat breeds, all of whom are looking for a new home or foster parent. The cat photos will be posted on PetFinder, a database of nearly 11,000 adoption shelters and animal organizations for those interested in finding a new furry friend.
The Humane Society and All 9 Lives Instagram pages will also promote the photos with the hopes of expanding outreach and eliminating Athen’s feral cat population.
Lauren Elliott, a sophomore studying media arts production, owns five cats and said crocheting homemade pieces for All 9 Lives is a rewarding feeling.
“Handmade clothing is very, you know, tedious, but it's worth it,” Elliott said. “Just all the love and hard work that is put into it and really just taking the time to, you know, perfect your craft … we do it all for good causes.”
