AI Developer Tools

JP the Cat

A macOS native app that tracks real-time costs and usage limits for Claude Code and Codex from the menu bar and widgets.

JP the Cat logo

JP the Cat

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What is JP the Cat?

JP the Cat is a macOS native app that displays real-time cost and usage limit information for Claude Code and Codex directly in the menu bar and as a desktop widget, with no account or API keys required.

JP the Cat vs Similar AI Tools

Pricing ModelFree, FreemiumFreeCustom PricingFree, Paid
Free Credits
Key Features
  • Real-time dollar cost display for Claude Code & Codex
  • macOS widget in small, medium, and large sizes
  • Dark (Midnight) and light (Sunlit) themes
  • GitHub Pages hosting
  • Jekyll integration
  • Markdown content support
  • Workload monitoring and anomaly detection
  • Slow query identification and optimization
  • Natural language querying to SQL translation
  • Scans skills and MCP servers against ATR rules before loading
  • Real-time runtime protection against prompt injection and hijacks
  • Signed audit-ready evidence for compliance (EU AI Act, NYDFS, DORA)
ProsN/A
  • Free hosting with custom domain support
  • Easy setup via Git
  • Quick one-line installation and setup in 15 minutes
  • Self-hosted ensures data stays within your infrastructure
  • Open source with MIT license
  • Real-time detection and prevention
ConsN/A
  • Limited to static content
  • No server-side processing
  • Requires self-hosting and VPC setup
  • No free tier or trial mentioned
  • Enterprise features require paid tiers
  • Setup may require technical expertise
Best For
  • Developers using Claude Code or Codex who need to track spending and usage limits
  • Developers
  • Open source projects
  • Database administrators
  • Data engineers
  • Developers building and deploying AI agents
  • Enterprises needing audit-ready AI security

How to use JP the Cat?

  1. 1Download the app from jpthecat.com and drag it to Applications.
  2. 2Open the app; it automatically reads local logs from Claude Code and Codex.
  3. 3View your live spending and usage limits in the menu bar pill.
  4. 4Add a desktop widget by right-clicking the desktop, opening Edit Widgets, searching for 'JP the Cat', and dragging a size.
  5. 5Optionally enable the 80% meow alert and configure additional providers in Settings.

JP the Cat Key Features

  • Real-time dollar cost display for Claude Code & Codex
  • macOS widget in small, medium, and large sizes
  • Dark (Midnight) and light (Sunlit) themes
  • 80% usage limit meow alert
  • Works offline with no account or API keys
  • Native Swift, notarized by Apple, no Full Disk Access
  • Per-provider breakdown with usage gauges
  • Configurable 7/14/30/90-day window

JP the Cat Use Cases

  • Monitor AI agent spending in real-time
  • Stay within Claude Code and Codex usage limits
  • Budget for development costs with accurate metrics
  • Track historical spending across multiple time windows

JP the Cat Pricing & Free Credits

JP the Cat currently operates on a Free, Freemium model.

Free Tier

Free Tier

$0

Live menu-bar total with 5-hour and weekly limit percentage, free forever.

Paid Plans

Full License

$12.99

One-time purchase unlocking dashboard, widgets, gauges, and 80% alerts. Includes free updates.

Free Tier

$0

Live menu-bar total with 5-hour and weekly limit percentage, free forever.

Full License

$12.99

One-time purchase unlocking dashboard, widgets, gauges, and 80% alerts. Includes free updates.

What is JP the Cat best for?

  • Developers using Claude Code or Codex who need to track spending and usage limits

JP the Cat FAQ

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