Question 1

macOS says it can't verify the developer. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

This is expected for unsigned builds. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → scroll down to find DesktopCat and click "Open Anyway". On macOS 15 Sequoia, the older right-click workaround no longer works — you must use the Privacy & Security settings panel.

Question 2

How do I install a new version over an existing one?

Accepted Answer

Download the new DMG, open it, and drag the DesktopCat app icon over your existing install in Applications. Your character files and settings are preserved. You may need to re-grant Accessibility and Input Monitoring permissions after updating.

Question 3

Does DesktopCat update itself automatically?

Accepted Answer

It checks automatically but never installs without asking. Starting with version 0.2, DesktopCat checks releases.desktopcat.com at launch and every 24 hours, and shows a prompt when a new version is available. It installs only after you confirm. Earlier versions check only when you click Check for Updates in the menu bar menu or in Settings, so update once by hand to get automatic checks. You can also download the latest version from desktopcat.com/download at any time.

Question 4

After updating, the permissions stopped working. How do I fix it?

Accepted Answer

Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility. Remove DesktopCat from the list, then re-add it by launching the app. Do the same for Input Monitoring. This is a macOS behavior when the app binary changes.

Question 5

How do I completely uninstall DesktopCat?

Accepted Answer

Quit the app, move DesktopCat.app from Applications to Trash, then remove preferences: open Terminal and run: rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/DesktopCat ~/Library/Preferences/com.desktopcat.*. Remove Accessibility and Input Monitoring entries from System Settings → Privacy & Security.

Question 6

I granted permissions but typing doesn't trigger any animation.

Accepted Answer

Make sure both Accessibility AND Input Monitoring are granted — both are required. Try removing DesktopCat from each list and re-adding. If the issue persists, restart the app after granting permissions.

Question 7

The cat disappeared or walked off the edge of the screen.

Accepted Answer

This can happen if you change display layout or resolution while the app is running. Quit and relaunch DesktopCat — it will reappear at a safe default position. If it happens frequently, check if any external display configuration is changing dynamically.

Question 8

How do I import a .desktopcat character file?

Accepted Answer

On DesktopCat 0.3 or later, double-click the .desktopcat file. You can also click the DesktopCat menu bar icon, go to Settings → Characters → Import, and select the file. The character will be added to your library immediately. You can switch between characters in the same panel.

Question 9

How do I re-download a character I already purchased?

Accepted Answer

Sign in to your account, go to My Orders, find your order, and click Download. The download link is always available as long as your account is active. If the link has expired, clicking Download will generate a new short-lived URL.

Question 10

The three-view generation failed or my attempt count looks wrong.

Accepted Answer

Only successful results (properly saved and viewable) count against your applicable generation allowance. Failed attempts due to network issues, service errors, or output corruption do not count. If you believe there's an error, contact support@desktopcat.com with your order number.

Question 11

What does the official cat pass include?

Accepted Answer

US$4.90 once unlocks all currently available paid official cats, plus every official cat we add later at no extra charge. The pass price will go up as more cats are added; if you already own the pass, future cats stay included.

Question 12

How does a custom cat order work?

Accepted Answer

Custom cats cost US$69 and are made by our team (AI-generated frames, each reviewed by a person), not by an automatic generator. Anonymous visitors get 1 preview; accounts get 3 independently, or 5 with an official cat pass. Each paid custom order includes 10 successful generations. Choose a saved sheet in your order. We automatically email the locked sheet from custom@desktopcat.com. Reply to agree to production; delivery is due within 72 hours of receiving that reply. You'll receive an email when your .desktopcat file is ready to download from your account.

Question 13

Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Custom cat: full refund on request before you agree to production by email; no ordinary refunds after we receive your explicit agreement and start production. Official cat pass: full refund within 7 days if you haven't downloaded any pack. Duplicate charges, orders we fail to deliver, and refunds required by law are always handled. Contact support@desktopcat.com.

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