• Digital tool that automatically stops browsing after a set time
• Visual intervention designed to interrupt continuous platform use

A new extension for the Chrome browser has been launched with an unconventional idea aimed at limiting excessive use of social media, relying on a visual approach where a cat appears on the screen to stop users from continuing to scroll.

The extension, called Cat Gatekeeper, blocks access to platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube after a time period set by the user, typically 60 minutes by default.

Once the time limit is reached, a large orange cat appears on the screen and fully covers the content, preventing further browsing without relying on traditional alerts or notifications.

The cat enforces a mandatory short break that cannot be bypassed, remaining on screen for several minutes before allowing access to resume.

The concept is designed to counter endless scrolling habits that lead users to spend far more time online than intended.

The tool is intentionally simple and lightweight, functioning only as a timer-based intervention without providing warnings, statistics, or behavioral feedback.

Its developers say the goal is not to enforce discipline, but to briefly interrupt digital engagement and redirect users’ attention back to their primary activities.

The extension is available for free on the Chrome Web Store and can be activated within minutes.