Keyboard lock with configurable shortcut
Lock the keyboard with one shortcut, then unlock with the same configured combo. The app ships with a default ⌘L shortcut and also exposes a global shortcut so the command works from any app.
Cats Lock
Cats Lock is a macOS app that locks the keyboard with one shortcut so a cat can sit on the keys without typing into your active app. It also offers a silent Stealth Lock mode, a menu bar workflow, and optional function-key locking.
Overview
Cats Lock is a macOS desktop app that blocks keyboard input with a single shortcut so a cat can lie on the keys without typing into the active app. It is available on the Mac App Store and is positioned for people who want a quick way to pause keyboard input without leaving their workspace.
The app centers on a simple lock and unlock flow, with a visible overlay and optional warning sound when keys are blocked. It also includes Stealth Lock for silent use, a menu bar workflow, launch-at-login support, and optional function-key locking for users who need a broader lock than standard typing keys.
Features
Visible lock state feedback
Show a friendly lock overlay while input is blocked, with a customizable warning sound on each rejected keypress.
Silent lock mode
Use Stealth Lock when you want the keyboard blocked without an overlay or sound, such as in a meeting or recording.
Prevent sleep while locked
Keep the Mac awake while locked so the overlay stays visible if you walk away from the desk.
Menu bar-only workflow
Run the app from the menu bar only, with the Dock icon hidden and no Cmd+Tab presence when that mode is enabled.
Function-key locking
Optionally lock the function row as well, including F1 through F12, Mission Control, Spotlight, brightness, keyboard backlight, and media keys.
Use cases
Cat-on-keyboard interruptions
Lock the keyboard quickly when a cat settles on the laptop so stray paw presses do not reach the active document or app.
Quiet blocking in live sessions
Switch to Stealth Lock during meetings, recordings, or calls when you want the keyboard blocked without a visible overlay or sound.
Menu bar utility use
Keep the app in the menu bar and out of the Dock when you want a small utility that is ready but unobtrusive.
Broader key-locking needs
Lock the function row in addition to standard typing keys when you want to prevent accidental use of media keys, brightness controls, Spotlight, or Mission Control.
Keeping the lock visible away from the desk
Hold the Mac awake while the keyboard is locked so the overlay remains visible if you step away from the desk.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Locks the keyboard from any app with a simple shortcut.
- Includes Stealth Lock for silent, invisible locking.
- Offers a visible overlay and warning sound for clear feedback when locked.
- Can run as a menu bar app and hide from the Dock.
- Works as a Mac App Store app with no account required and no analytics reported in the press kit.
Cons
- The core product is focused on keyboard locking rather than broader parental-control or device-management features.
- Function-key locking needs Accessibility permission, so one optional feature has an extra setup step.
- The pricing page in the collected sources does not provide additional plan details beyond the product site’s one-time purchase messaging.
FAQ
How do you lock and unlock the keyboard?
Cats Lock is a Mac desktop app that locks the keyboard from any app using a configurable shortcut. The default shortcut is ⌘L, and the app also supports a menu bar entry for quick access.
Can it lock the keyboard silently?
Yes. Cats Lock includes Stealth Lock, which keeps the keyboard locked without showing the overlay or playing a sound. The release notes also describe it as useful for meetings, recordings, or calls.
What platform and account requirements does it have?
The app is available on the Mac App Store and is described as fully sandboxed. The press kit says no account is required and there are no analytics.
Does Cats Lock use a subscription?
The press kit says Cats Lock is sold as a $2.99 one-time purchase with no subscription tier.
Does it need special permissions?
The release notes show optional features such as locking the function row and hiding the app from the Dock. The core keyboard lock works without special permissions, while function-key locking uses Accessibility permission.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity
- Platform
- macOS
- Distribution
- Mac App Store
- Price
- $2.99 one-time purchase
- Account required
- No
- Tracking
- No analytics reported
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