Comparison

FocusCat vs DeskTabby

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

FocusCat

Read full description

You want to focus, but the phone keeps pulling you back. FocusCat is simple. Choose a length, start, put the phone down. Your cat stalks a butterfly on the screen while you work. Your cat hunts while you focus As the timer runs, your cat closes in on a butterfly. At first it just sits and watches, tail swishing. Then its eyes go wide as it takes aim, and it starts creeping closer. When time is up it snatches the butterfly with one paw. You can tell how far along you are from the cat's posture alone, without checking the clock. Your cat calls you when time is up When the session ends your cat meows until you tap the screen. Leave the phone face down and you still won't miss it. Leave the app and your focus breaks Switch to another app and the session is recorded as failed. There is a 25 second grace period for a mistapped notification or a short call, but stay away longer and your cat gives up waiting. That one rule is the whole app. Lofi plays while you focus A quiet loop runs in the background. One tap mutes it when you're somewhere you can't make noise. You decide the length Pick 15, 25, 45 or 60 minutes, or set your own from 1 minute up to 3 hours. A cat that grows with you Successful focus time adds up and your cat grows. No ads while you focus Ads appear only after a session ends. Nothing covers the screen while you're focusing. No account, no sign-in, no purchases. Free.

About

DeskTabby

This app uses a charming virtual cat to help you stay focused using the Pomodoro technique. It offers a gentle, non-judgmental approach to productivity, rewarding your progress with in-game growth and customization options. Enjoy offline functionality and privacy-focused features.

Highlights
  • Pomodoro focus sessions
  • Live Activity on Dynamic Island and Lock Screen
  • Cat growth and customization
  • Offline functionality
  • Daily goals and streaks
  • Optional cosmetic in-app purchases
Read full description

Make a little time for one thing, with a cat beside you. DeskTabby keeps you company while you read, study, write, or work on something of your own. · Meet your cat: Bring it home, then start when ready. You can also choose a one-minute trial. Naming your cat and choosing a personality can wait. · One thing at a time: Choose a task or start a simple focus session. Pause and return when you need to. · Pick up again: Leave a short progress note or a next step, then find it when you come back. · A shared history: Look back on focused time, completed sessions, and the things you did together. Your cat grows with your focus. · A look of your own: Choose coat colors, patterns, and eyes. Try hats, glasses, scarves, little companions, and desk or sleep scenes together. · Optional gift packs: Some cosmetic choices are available as in-app purchases. They do not buy focus time or growth. · Private by default: No DeskTabby account, ads, analytics, or tracking. Task names and notes are stored locally and excluded from the optional iCloud progress backup. Local file backup and optional private iCloud progress backup are separate choices. Bring one thing. Leave a line. Come back whenever you are ready.

Screenshots

FocusCat4 screens
DeskTabby4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FocusCat at none against DeskTabby's 9. FocusCat also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). DeskTabby's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 9 days). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. DeskTabby sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. FocusCat asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FocusCat ships an update every 9 days, DeskTabby every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
FocusCat versus DeskTabby: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocusCatDeskTabby
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysEvery 4 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB130 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHyeok Kwon军 郭

In-app purchases

None

FocusCat

No in-app purchases

9 purchases

DeskTabby

One-time9
  • Eyewear Pack$3.99
  • Headwear Pack$3.99
  • Patterns Pack$3.99
Show 6 more
  • Neckwear Pack$3.99
  • Sleep Scene Pack$3.99
  • Desk Scene Pack$3.99
  • Pastel Coat Pack$5.99
  • Sidekicks Pack$5.99
  • Everything, Forever$24.99

Questions

Is FocusCat free?
FocusCat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is DeskTabby free?
DeskTabby is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do FocusCat or DeskTabby have ads?
FocusCat shows ads; DeskTabby does not.
Which is updated more often, FocusCat or DeskTabby?
FocusCat ships an update every 9 days, and DeskTabby every 4 days. Most recently, FocusCat was updated on October 17, 2026 and DeskTabby on October 24, 2026.

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