Catvas

cat scratching board for Livelyhood

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.

Download Press Kit № 159966

Download Press Kit № 159966 cat scratching board for Livelyhood by Zhenyang Yan to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

Available Now for Your Next Story

At design|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.

Please Note:

• Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
• Mention design|newsroom as your source.
• Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.

Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. design|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.

Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.

Catvas by Zhenyang Yan

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

cat scratching board by Zhenyang Yan

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Zhenyang Yan Catvas

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Zhenyang Yan cat scratching board

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

LivelyhoodBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

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.

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.

Project Overview

Catvas cat scratching board has been a Iron winner in the Pet Care, Toys, Supplies and Products for Animals Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Zhenyang Yan.

Iron Recognition

Zhenyang Yan was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Catvas cat scratching board .

Zhenyang Yan Newsroom

Visit Zhenyang Yan Newsroom for an inside look at exceptional design and award-winning projects.