Help your cat get started
Getting started
- Open CatLock and follow onboarding to name your cat, choose its appearance, and set an unlock phrase.
- Allow CatLock in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility. On macOS 11/12, use System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Accessibility.
- Click the desktop cat or choose Turn On Protection from the paw menu in the menu bar.
- Type your unlock phrase or hold the guarding cat with your mouse for 3 seconds. Your mouse and trackpad remain available.
Forgot your phrase or cannot unlock?
Hold the guarding cat for 3 seconds, or turn protection off from the menu bar. Then use Settings → Protection & Unlock to change your phrase or restore the default phrase, cat.
Phrases contain 3–8 English letters or numbers; letters are treated as lowercase. Version 1.0.0 Build 1 recognizes US keyboard positions. On AZERTY, QWERTZ, Dvorak, or other layouts, key labels may not match the recognized characters. Use mouse unlock and contact support if affected. Do not use your Mac login password as an unlock phrase.
Permission is enabled, but CatLock is still waiting
Switching from a local test build to TestFlight or a formally signed version may leave an old permission entry. Quit CatLock, remove its old entry from Accessibility, add the current CatLock from Applications with the “+” button, enable it, and reopen the app. Only change the CatLock entry.
Why did onboarding not appear again?
Completion is stored locally. If this macOS user account has used CatLock before, reinstalling may open the desktop cat directly. Use the paw menu → How CatLock Works for instructions. Change the cat name, appearance, and phrase in Settings. This version has no full onboarding replay button.
Where is my desktop cat?
Check the paw menu in the menu bar and the option to show the desktop cat in Settings. CatLock can run without a Dock icon. Closing Settings does not quit the app.
Scope and compatibility
CatLock prevents accidental typing; it is not a security screen lock. It does not block mouse input and cannot guarantee interception of every system-level or hardware key. Use the macOS lock screen to secure your Mac when leaving it unattended.
The app includes English and Simplified Chinese interfaces. The current build targets macOS 11.0 or later and includes Apple Silicon and Intel support; consult the actual store listing and verified compatibility information.
Purchases and support
CatLock is a one-time paid download with no in-app purchases or subscriptions. Apple handles purchases, redownloads, and refunds. Refer to the App Store in your region for pricing.
Email sealluo81@gmail.com with your CatLock version, macOS version, keyboard layout, steps to reproduce the problem, and any necessary screenshots with personal information hidden. Do not send account passwords or your unlock phrase.