A cat will hijack your screen when you scroll too long
Cat Gatekeeper is the cutest forced-break app for
macOS and Windows. Set a limit, scroll your favorite apps, and when time is up — a cat takes over until you actually rest.
🎁 Free forever · No ads · No tracking
What is Cat Gatekeeper?
You just can't stop scrolling, can you? What you need isn't more willpower — it's a cat that forces its way onto your screen. Cat Gatekeeper watches your active app and, when you've scrolled too long, drops an irresistible cat on top of everything until your break is over.
Built for desktop
Native apps for macOS and Windows — focus protection that works across every browser and every social app on your computer.
Active-time only
Cat Gatekeeper only counts time when the social app is actually focused. Switch tabs or apps and the timer pauses automatically.
A cat you can't ignore
When time is up, an adorable cat takes over the entire screen. Humans are powerless against the supreme fluffballs — so you finally rest.
Privacy by design
No accounts, no analytics, no data leaving your device. Screen access is used only to draw the cat overlay locally.
How it works
Three knobs, one cat. Set it once and let the gatekeeper handle the rest of your day.
Why people love Cat Gatekeeper
Willpower alone isn't cutting it. These are the features that quietly make doomscrolling impossible — without making you feel bad.
Native Mac & Windows apps
Lightweight desktop apps for macOS and Windows. No browser extension required, works system-wide.
Smart active-time tracking
Only counts time when a watched app is actually focused. Switch away and the timer pauses automatically.
Per-app limits
Set different limits for X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more. Configure once, run forever.
Adorable cat overlay
When time is up, a full-screen cat appears on top of everything. Too cute to dismiss, too persistent to ignore.
Local-first & private
No account, no telemetry, no servers. Your usage stays on your device — always.
Free forever, no ads
Cat Gatekeeper is free to use, with zero ads and zero dark patterns. Just a cat helping you log off.
Frequently asked questions
Still curious? Email hello@cat-gatekeeper.com and a human (with a cat on their lap) will reply.
Coming soon for Mac & Windows
Cat Gatekeeper is almost ready. Join the waitlist and we’ll email you the moment downloads go live.