Is it really free?
Yes. No account, no licence key, no Pro tier, no trial. The apps are open source under GPL-3.0, and nothing will ever be locked behind a payment.
Which platforms?
macOS 13 (Ventura) or newer, on Apple silicon and Intel Macs. Windows is on the way; the download page shows it as “coming soon” until it ships. Linux is not planned.
Do I need the AI features?
No. AI is off until you turn it on, and every feature of every app works without it. When you do use it, you bring
your own provider and key (or a local model through Ollama), and the apps send structure — site names, table names,
log lines you picked — never your rows or your .env values. See what the apps send.
Can DevCatz run next to Laravel Herd?
Yes. DevCatz leaves Herd’s .test sites and its sockets on 127.0.0.1 alone, labels Herd’s PHP and Node builds, and can
import your Herd sites (Create New Site → Import from Laravel Herd).
Does DevCatz need Docker?
No. Runtimes and databases run as native processes. Docker is only needed for the site’s Docker tab (generating a Dockerfile and compose file, Build & Up), with any engine you like.
Why does DevCatz ask for my password?
Only for three optional things, each behind its own button with an explanation first: trusting its local certificate, URLs without a port, and a resolver for a custom domain. Nothing is installed at first launch. The full list, and how to undo each, is on what DevCatz changes on your Mac.
Does DBCatz work without DevCatz?
Yes. DBCatz is a complete database client for MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Redis, Valkey, MongoDB and Elasticsearch. With DevCatz installed, it also lists DevCatz’s databases on its own.
How do updates work?
Through the app, from catzoid.com: Check for Updates shows what is new and installs the next version. You can also download any version from the download page.
Where is the source?
On GitHub, under catzoidhub. Bug reports and pull requests are welcome.
Was Catzoid built with AI?
Yes, and we would rather say so than have you find out. Catzoid is made by one developer, and the code of the apps, the API and this site is written together with Claude by Anthropic, an AI assistant. The developer decides what each cat does, designs it, tries every feature on a real Mac and reviews every change before it ships — Claude writes and explains the code with them.
You don’t have to take that on trust: the source is open, every commit Claude helped with says so
(Co-Authored-By: Claude), and anyone can read, test or question it. Found something that looks wrong? Report it —
a person reads every report. More on who makes it on the About page.
Catzoid is an independent project; it is not made, sponsored or endorsed by Anthropic.
Can I fork it?
Yes — that is what GPL-3.0 is for. A fork must stay open source and must use its own name and icon: the names and the cat are trademarks. See licences.
Last updated 2026-10-26