Iron Pet Care, Toys, Supplies and Products for Animals Design · 2024
Catvas Cat Scratching Board
- A' Design Award 2024 Iron Winner in Pet Care, Toys, Supplies and Products for Animals Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Livelyhood
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 32,428
- Verification code 1B2AD6D7A7 · Verify this award
About Catvas Cat Scratching Board
Catvas is a new pet product that reshapes scratching from a destructive behavior into a creative process. It gives both people and cats the chance to co-create their living spaces together. The designed double layered fabric will be gradually presenting a unique painting like effect during cats’ scratching behavior. The replaced fabric scratching panel are no longer just discarded as wastes but acts like a memorial to record and preserve the cat's traces of its life in a more artistic way.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Colors of Catvas Cat Scratching Board
Design Interview about Catvas Cat Scratching Board
Our design concept stems from our care and love for cats. We care not only about their physical health as owners but also their happiness as friends. Inspired by their natural behavior of scratching furniture, we wondered if we could create an environment where they could happily scratch a canvas and create a picture.
During the design process, our primary focus was on creating an exceptional experience for cats while ensuring the product itself exudes a high-quality feel and seamlessly integrates into warm home environments. To achieve these goals, we undertook a rigorous design process that involved extensive testing and experimentation: We conducted thorough research and testing to identify the most suitable materials for the scratching surface, we created various prototypes to determine the optimal angle for the surface, we also employed techniques like wood heat bending to achieve a unique and stylish form factor.
we're collaborating closely with manufacturers to refine the production process, aiming to bring this innovative scratching board to market in the near future. We believe in the power of user feedback to refine and enhance our designs. Once Catvas hits the market, we eagerly anticipate gathering feedback from users, both cat owners and their feline companions. Their insights will be invaluable in assessing the product's effectiveness and identifying areas for further improvement.
The development of Catvas, our innovative scratching board, has taken approximately one year, encompassing the initial concept, detailed design, prototype validation, and ongoing discussions with manufacturers to finalize the production process.
Driven by a shared love for animals, our team embarked on a journey to create innovative pet products that enhance the lives of both pets and their owners. Catvas, our scratching board, exemplifies this commitment, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
As mentioned above, we are contacting manufacturers ourselves for production, and we want to establish our own pet furniture brand, livelyhood.
Our team is comprised of professionals with backgrounds in design or engineering, and we aspire to bring about changes with our professional expertise.
Our target customers are those who view their cats as true companions, going beyond basic care to understand and respect their feline friends' unique needs and behaviors. These individuals are passionate about enriching their cats' lives, fostering a deep bond that transcends the traditional pet-owner dynamic. Livelyhood is dedicated to serving this discerning clientele with products that not only enhance physical well-being but also nurture the emotional connection between cats and their humans.
Livelyhood elevates scratching boards from mere pet necessities to stylish home décor accents. Our innovative design combines affordability with aesthetics, featuring replaceable canvases that transform into wall art when their scratching surface wears out.
"Catvas" cleverly blends "cat" and "canvas," perfectly capturing the product's dual functionality as a feline scratching surface and a customizable art piece. Its playful nature appeals to cat owners who value creativity and humor.