RunCat is a tiny open-source tool that shows CPU usage with a running cat animation on your Windows taskbar. The higher the CPU, the faster the cat runs! It’s only a few hundred KB in size, completely green (no background processes), and safe to use.
RunCat requires Microsoft’s .NET 5.0 runtime. If you don’t have it installed, RunCat will prompt you to download it — just click and you’ll be taken to the official Microsoft page. Download the desktop app version, making sure to select the correct system platform.
If you get an error when opening RunCat, choose “Yes” to download .NET. Pick the desktop app version and the right platform.
Once .NET 5.0 is installed, you can run RunCat. Note: if you’re on Windows 11 and want the cat to always show in the taskbar, you’ll need to set RunCat’s icon to “always show” in system settings.
Just launch RunCat.exe and a running cat appears in your taskbar. When CPU usage is low, the cat trots slowly:
As CPU usage increases, the cat picks up the pace:
When CPU is maxed out, the cat sprints!
That’s all RunCat does — its charm is in its cuteness, and it really is adorable. Besides the cat, RunCat also offers a parrot style:
RunCat also supports switching between light and dark system themes, which is a nice touch.
In short, it’s a simple yet incredibly cute little tool. Give it a try if you’re interested!
A cute running cat animation on your Windows taskbar.
Demo
You only have to run the RunCat.exe.
Installation
Access to the “Releases” page and download the RunCat.exe.
