About

SpinCat

SpinCat is a macOS accessory app that turns system load into a spinning cat in your menu bar. It's built to be glanceable, tiny, and private — the kind of utility you install once and quietly rely on.

Requirements

Platform
macOS 13 Ventura or later
Architecture
Universal — Apple silicon & Intel
Footprint
Menu bar accessory, no Dock icon
Distribution
Sandboxed, notarized, App Store ready

Frequently asked

Does SpinCat send my data anywhere?

No. System metrics are read with local macOS APIs and never leave your Mac. The only network access is the optional AI usage feature, which stays off until you enable it.

Why a cat?

Because a spinning cat is a friendlier load gauge than a number. When your Mac is calm, the cat rests; when it's working hard, it spins fast — you feel the state without reading anything.

Does it slow down my Mac?

SpinCat samples on a light interval (three seconds by default), caches expensive reads, respects Reduce Motion, and eases the animation under thermal pressure.

Which AI providers are supported?

ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Antigravity, and Copilot. AI usage is opt-in, per provider, and never required.

Is it accessible?

Yes. The interface is fully keyboard navigable and every slider, stepper, picker, and status value carries a VoiceOver label.

SpinCat's approach to system readings is informed by the open-source Stats project (MIT). Third-party notices ship with the app.