Cat Gatekeeper

Name: Cat Gatekeeper
Availability: InStock
Author: Mai Kitajiam

Cat Gatekeeper is a Pomodoro-style desktop timer for you if you forget to pause while working. An animated cat appears when it’s time for your break.

by Mai Kitajiam

Get it on the Mac App Store Developer website ↗

Helps you Take breaks & reduce eye strain 18 Stay focused & block distractions 33

What you get

Give yourself a cat-shaped reason to stop working and take a break.

You get a visible interruption when it’s time to step away: a cat appears on your screen after your chosen work interval. Because the timer runs on your desktop, you receive the reminder whether you’re browsing, writing, or working in another app.

You choose how long to work and rest, then follow the break countdown before returning to your task. You can have the next work session start automatically, or dismiss the cat whenever you need to continue. It gives you a prompt to pause, rather than an enforced lockout.

You can make those interruptions more personal with your own photos, background removal, and motion effects. Your browsing history, app usage, keystrokes, and screen contents aren’t recorded, so you get timed breaks without activity monitoring.

Notice when to pause

You get an on-screen cat reminder when your work interval ends, even when you’re outside your browser.
Set your own rhythm

You choose work and break lengths, with the option to start your next work session automatically.
Make breaks feel personal

You can use your own photos and add motion effects to personalize what appears at break time.
Keep your activity private

You get reminders without recording your browsing history, app usage, keyboard input, or screen contents.

Best for

You lose track of time during focused work
You want Pomodoro-style breaks across desktop apps
You prefer a cat interruption to a plain timer

Skip it if

You don’t need it if you already take regular breaks or need a strict lockout you can’t dismiss.

Screenshots

From the developer

When the set time arrives, a cat appears and takes over your screen. A cute Pomodoro-style desktop break timer. Because it is a desktop app, Cat Gatekeeper can remind you to take breaks not only while using a browser or specific social media sites, but also while working in other apps.

Read the full description