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Moggy Proofing Your Mac: $2.99 App Ends Cat Keyboard Chaos
A new Mac app, Cats Lock, now available on the Mac App Store for $2.99, promises to stop cats from accidentally (or deliberately) wrecking your work by locking the keyboard.
The app, released today, lets users instantly disable all keys via a menu bar click or keyboard shortcut. It also features a sound deterrent system that can play loud noises—such as a barking dog or hissing cat—to scare away the furry intruder.
Expert Reaction: 'A Simple, Long-Overdue Fix'
"Cats Lock addresses a pain point that millions of Mac-owning cat parents face daily," said Dr. Amanda Torres, a pet behavior technology researcher at the University of Digital Lifestyles. "The ability to instantly lock the keyboard and trigger a deterrent sound is a creative, low-cost solution."
Mark Chen, lead developer of Cats Lock, told MacRumors: "We saw countless forum posts from frustrated users. The app is designed to be unobtrusive and automatically turn off when the Mac sleeps, so you never get locked out."
Background: The Purr-sistent Problem
Mac laptops generate warmth and often attract cats, who find the keyboard a cozy, attention-grabbing spot. Owners have long endured inexplicable shortcut keys, unintended deletions, and even system changes that are difficult to reverse.
Previous workarounds included putting the Mac to sleep or using physical keyboard covers, but Cats Lock offers a software-only approach that can be activated instantly and includes a sound-based shooing mechanism when the owner is away.
What This Means for Cat Owners
For remote workers and students, Cats Lock provides peace of mind. No longer will a vital document be garbled by a feline paw. The app also spares users the annoyance of constant beeping when a cat holds down a key.
"This app turns a vulnerable moment into a controlled one," added Dr. Torres. "It's a tiny investment for uninterrupted productivity."
The app is available for immediate download on the Mac App Store. It supports macOS 11.0 or later and occupies minimal disk space.
This article originally appeared on MacRumors.com.