A Redditor 3D-printed a spiked grid-fin deterrent and fitted it atop his Xbox Series X console after his cat repeatedly sat on the exhaust vents. Reddit user Narrow Survey7102, the maker behind a viral creative cat-focused DIY project trend, posted the build on July 11, 2026, in the r/xbox subreddit, where it quickly gained thousands of upvotes. The tabby had claimed the warm top of the vertical console during gaming sessions, prompting the owner to act before heat buildup caused damage.
The modification addressed a common overheating concern for Xbox Series X owners who share a home with pets. Cats seek elevated warm surfaces, and a lounging feline’s body heat plus loose fur can obstruct airflow through the top grille. Narrow Survey7102 designed a fully parametric model in OpenSCAD, the open-source programmer-focused solid 3D CAD modeler that slots securely into the console corners via four pins, with no adhesives or permanent alterations required. He printed it in matte black PLA on a consumer 3D printer, completing the piece in roughly 1.6 hours.
Users can download the OpenSCAD source files and print profiles tailored for popular machines like Bambu Lab printers. The design draws visual inspiration from SpaceX’s Starship grid fins, the lattice-style flight control surfaces that steer the booster back toward its landing zone, giving the console a futuristic armored-crown appearance while preserving full exhaust function.
Community reaction mixed humor with practical appreciation across r/3Dprinting and social platforms. Commenters shared their own pet-versus-console stories, ranging from fur clogs to creative workarounds like elevated stands. Some praised the boundary-setting for valuable electronics, while others suggested cat-friendly alternatives such as a warm platform placed nearby. The post spread rapidly through X and other networks after gaming accounts, building on moments like The Game’s surprise Xbox giveaway to Compton residents, highlighted the clever fix.
No negative consequences have emerged for the console or the cat. The owner reported the deterrent successfully discourages perching without harming the animal or voiding any warranty. The story demonstrates how accessible 3D printing empowers gamers to solve household tech conflicts in creative, low-cost ways. Anyone facing similar issues can access the exact model through the public listing and adapt it to their setup.
