The Fuzzrocious Cat King is a two-mode distortion pedal that runs from mild overdrive to aggressive distortion, built by Ryan Ratajski's brand as the king sized version of the Cat Tail with 2nd Distortion Mod. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes it as a low to high gain distortion with overdrive capabilities, adding that some even say at high gain settings it sounds like a fuzz1. The circuit is based, in Fuzzrocious's words, on "a well-loved, classic distortion that make a clean amp dirty and a dirty amp disgusting"1.
Two distortion modes, not two channels
Guitar.com's Michael Watts reviewed the pedal in 2018 and was clear about how its gain structure works: "it's a low-to-high gain distortion unit with two distinct distortion modes"2. The two modes are not a dual-channel set-up nor a cascading gain stage, but two differing distortion levels settable independently2. The Distortion 1/2 footswitch toggles between the two levels3, so a player can set one side as a mild overdrive and the other as a heavier distortion and switch between them mid-song.
The double-wide casing carries, in Watts's words, "no less than eight knobs, three footswitches and a mini toggle switch"2.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Distortion 1/2 footswitch | Toggles between two independently set distortion levels3 |
| High and low frequency clipping knobs | Adjustable clipping that lets you tailor your tone3 |
| Diode toggle (mini switch) | Three clipping options: 1n914, none, or LED3 |
| Feedback knob and footswitch | Momentary feedback switch with control pot mounted on top of the case3 |
The diode toggle is Fuzzrocious's addition "for extra tweakability for clipping options"1: 1n914 silicon diodes, no diodes, or LEDs each clip the signal differently, and combined with the high and low frequency clipping knobs they give the player considerable control over how the distortion compresses and breaks up3.
The feedback arrangement is the pedal's most unusual feature. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio notes it "features a momentary feedback switch with control pot curiously mounted on top of the case"3. Guitar.com's 2018 awards write-up put it more colorfully: "There's also a little sting in the tail courtesy of the feedback knob and dedicated footswitch"4.
Power
The Cat King does not take a battery. Guitar.com's review explains that "for practical and ecological reasons related to the use and disposal of batteries, they only run from a nine-volt DC 2.1" mm adaptor2. Delicious Audio adds that 9 to 18V operation allows for extra headroom, if desired3.
No battery operation: the pedal runs only from a DC adaptor, so it will not work on a battery snap alone2.
Cat King and Cat Tail
The Cat King is the "king sized" version of Fuzzrocious's Cat Tail1, and the brand's smaller Cat Tail with Momentary Feedback Mod and Rat Tail sit alongside it in the range, which also includes the Gray Stache, Big Fella, Lil Fella and Typhon V21. The original name of the big pedal was The Rat King, and Guitar.com's reviewer read that name as "some insight into the intent of its creators"2, a nod to the classic distortion circuit underneath. MusicRadar's FX Files history of the Pro Co RAT lists the Cat King at £269 in that context5.
In May 2025 the Cat King became available in a new, more compact version, as feature-packed as the original and yet cheaper than that pedal's going price on the second-hand market3.
What reviewers said
Guitar.com's verdict on the 2018 original was positive across its range:
"The Cat King is a well thought out and intuitive pedal with a sonic palette that covers everything from punkish overdrive to brutal, crushing (but never fizzy) distortion"
The same publication included the pedal in its best premium pedals of 2018 feature, citing the feedback knob and dedicated footswitch as a highlight4.
Videos
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Everyday Guitarist
Questions
What is the difference between the Fuzzrocious Cat King and the Cat Tail?
The Cat King is the king sized version of Fuzzrocious's Cat Tail, with a double-wide casing that carries eight knobs, three footswitches and a mini toggle switch. It adds a diode toggle for three clipping options and a momentary feedback switch with its own control pot, features the smaller Cat Tail does not carry. In 2025 the Cat King itself became available in a new, more compact version that is as feature-packed as the original.
Was the Cat King once called the Rat King?
Yes. Guitar.com's 2018 review notes that the pedal's original name was The Rat King, which the reviewer reads as insight into the intent of its creators, since the circuit is based on a well-loved, classic distortion. The pedal is now sold as the Cat King, the king sized version of the Cat Tail.
What does the diode toggle do on the Cat King?
The diode toggle offers three clipping options: 1n914 silicon diodes, no clipping at all, or LED clipping. Fuzzrocious describes it as extra tweakability for clipping options, and alongside the adjustable high and low frequency clipping knobs it lets you shape how the distortion compresses and breaks up.
Does the Cat King take a battery?
No. Guitar.com's review states that for practical and ecological reasons related to the use and disposal of batteries, the pedal only runs from a nine-volt DC 2.1mm adaptor. Delicious Audio adds that 9 to 18V operation allows for extra headroom if desired.
What does the feedback switch do?
The Cat King has a momentary feedback switch with a control pot mounted on top of the case. Holding the switch produces a controllable feedback effect while it is pressed. Guitar.com's 2018 awards write-up called it a little sting in the tail, courtesy of the feedback knob and dedicated footswitch.
Is the Fuzzrocious Cat King made in the USA?
Yes. Guitar.com's review lists the pedal as a two-mode distortion pedal made in the USA. The brand was founded by Ryan Ratajski and builds pedals including the Grey Stache, Cat Tail, Big Fella and Cat King.
Sources (5)
- CAT KING by Fuzzrocious, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Fuzzrocious Cat King & Blast Furnace Review, Guitar.com, 2018-11-14
- New Pedal: Fuzzrocious Cat King Overdrive/Distortion, Delicious Audio, 2025-05-27
- Gear of the Year 2018: Best premium pedals, Guitar.com, 2018-12-12
- The FX files: Pro Co Rat, MusicRadar, 2019-06-06
