Catvas Mbarakaja Ñakysẽ Rupa

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Catvas is a new pet product that transforms scratching from a ‘destructive’ behavior into a ‘creative’ process. It offers both people and cats the chance to co-create their living spaces together. The specially designed double-layered fabric gradually reveals a unique painting-like effect during cats’ scratching behavior. The replaced fabric scratching panels are no longer simply discarded as waste; instead, they act as memorials, recording and preserving the cat’s traces of life in a more artistic way.

Dimensions & Packaging

300 mm x 430 mm x 370 mm

Tags

Cat Painting, Pet Product, Co-creation Across Species

Production Technology

Catvas is made by materials which are mostly recyclable such as wood, aluminum, and fabric made of old cloths and mycorrhiza. It is manufactured-friendly with easy-to-assemble components, by which the packaging costs and waste during transport can be significantly reduced. Regarding to the specially designed multi-layered fabric, the top layer is thinner, which means it can be scratched more easily.

Research

For cats: From cats’ perspective, the scratching board is not only for meeting the demand for regular removal of surface nails but also a way for cats to vent their emotions and leave pheromones. With the increase of pheromones, the cat will also generate more emotional links with the scratching board.

For people: We found that many cat owners collect cat-related objects, such as cat hair and toys. The reason why cat scratching boards are not left behind is that they are defined as consumables. Transforming the concept of "consumables" into "artwork" will also satisfy people's need to collect old things.

Inspiration

From a human’s perspective, the scratching behavior of cats is usually regarded as ‘destructive.’ Cats love to scratch almost anything they can see, including fabric sofas, leather seats, and even stereos. This often results in something people dislike. But what if we view this phenomenon from a different perspective? Catvas can facilitate a re-examination of the norm, encouraging people to reflect on the new relationship between humans and companion animals.

Project Duration

The project started in January 2023 in Shanghai and finished in December 2023 in Shanghai.

Operation Flow

The L-shape structure fits in with the cat's stretching habits and the removable double-layered fabric panel can be easily replaced. In the process of the cat scratching, the underlying fabric is constantly exposed, thus gradually presenting a unique visual effect which is similar to a painting, which can be customized with frames as decorations at home.