Furwall monitors the Mac’s camera locally to detect cats on the keyboard and silently blocks keystrokes until they move away, protecting unsaved work, code, and messages from accidental feline input. (Free, open-source)
The detection runs on-device using the built-in camera with no network requests. When a cat is identified on or near the keyboard, the app intercepts keystrokes before they reach any application. The menu bar icon changes to indicate active blocking—an orange cat-with-slash symbol when blocking is engaged, and a faded cat icon when the keyboard is unprotected.
The application is lightweight and designed to run in the background without interrupting normal workflow. It exits blocking mode automatically when the cat moves away from the camera’s detection zone. Source code is available on GitHub for review or modification.
System requirements: macOS (exact minimum version not specified in documentation). Camera access permission required. Downloaded as a DMG from GitHub releases.
Pricing: (Free, open-source)
Limitations: Detection accuracy depends on camera angle, lighting, and the cat’s position relative to the camera field of view. The app does not distinguish between deliberate and accidental keystrokes while blocking is active—all input is blocked. Requires a built-in or positioned external camera with adequate view of the keyboard area. No user-adjustable sensitivity settings documented.
Alternatives: No direct alternatives address the same specific use case. macOS Screen Lock or a physical keyboard cover provide manual protection without camera detection. Keyboard Maestro and similar automation tools can disable keyboard input but require manual triggering rather than automatic detection.
Suitable for users who work with cats present and experience accidental keyboard interference that disrupts active documents, code, or communication drafts.
