How do I install the CatsOnly app?

CatsOnly is a Progressive Web App (PWA). You can install it directly from your web browser to your iPhone, iPad, Android phone, tablet, or desktop computer without going through an app store.

Installing the app adds CatsOnly to your home screen or dock, gives you a fast full-screen experience, and enables instant push notifications for new messages, booking requests, and updates.

Why install the app

• Instant home screen access: Open CatsOnly directly from your home screen in a single tap without typing a web address into your browser.
• Push notifications: Receive timely lock-screen alerts for booking requests, replies from sitters or owners, and meet and greet updates.
• Full-screen experience: Enjoy a clean mobile app interface without browser search bars or controls taking up screen space.

How to install on iPhone and iPad

On iOS and iPadOS, Safari is the standard documented path for installing web apps:

1. Open Safari and visit catsonly.uk.
2. Tap the Share button in Safari's toolbar (the square box with an upward arrow, located in the top bar on iPad, or in the bottom or top toolbar on iPhone).
3. Scroll down the sharing menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
4. Tap Add in the top-right corner to confirm.

The CatsOnly icon will appear on your home screen. Tap the icon to launch the app, sign in to your account, and enable push notifications.

If you are visiting CatsOnly on your phone, you may also see the Install the CatsOnly app banner on your dashboard. Tapping Install app displays these same instructions on your screen.

iPhone and iPad notifications

On iOS, Apple requires CatsOnly to be added to your home screen and opened from the home screen icon before push notifications can be turned on.

How to install on Android

On Android devices using Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Samsung Internet:

1. Open your browser and visit catsonly.uk.
2. If the Install the CatsOnly app banner appears on your dashboard, tap Install app.
3. If you do not see a banner, tap the Install icon in the address bar, or tap the browser menu (three dots in the top-right corner) and select Install app or Add to Home screen.
4. Tap Install in the confirmation prompt to confirm.

CatsOnly will be added to your home screen and app drawer.

How to install on desktop (Mac or Windows)

You can also install CatsOnly on your computer:

• Google Chrome & Microsoft Edge: Click the Install icon on the right side of the address bar, or open the browser menu (three dots) and choose Install CatsOnly.
• Safari (macOS Sonoma or later): Open Safari, click File in the top menu bar, and choose Add to Dock.

Turning on push notifications

Push notifications keep you informed about new messages, booking confirmations, and meet and greet updates as soon as they happen.

To turn on notifications:

1. Open the CatsOnly app from your home screen or dock.
2. Sign in and navigate to Profile (or open your Account page).
3. Scroll down to Push notifications and tap Enable push notifications.
4. When prompted by your browser or operating system, select Allow.

You can also send a test notification from the Account page to confirm everything is working properly.

If you enable notifications in your browser

If you click Enable push notifications from a standard browser tab instead of the installed app, CatsOnly will show an Install CatsOnly for notifications prompt recommending that you install the app first for reliable alerts:

• On desktop or Android, you can choose to install the app or select Enable in browser instead.
• On iPhone and iPad, Apple requires you to add CatsOnly to your home screen and launch it from there before notifications can be turned on.

What to check if you cannot install

• Browser choice on iOS: Safari is the standard documented path for installing web apps on iPhone and iPad. While some third-party browsers (such as Chrome on iOS 16.4 or later) also support home-screen installation, switch to Safari if your current browser does not offer an Add to Home Screen option.
• Already installed: If CatsOnly is already on your home screen or dock, your browser will not display an install option. Check your home screen or app drawer.
• Private or incognito browsing: Web app installation and push notification storage are disabled in private browsing modes. Switch to a standard browser tab.
• iOS version: Web push notifications require iOS 16.4 or later on iPhone and iPad. Make sure your device software is up to date.

Contact support

If you are having trouble installing the app or enabling notifications, visit the Contact Support page.

Please include:

• Your device make and model (for example, iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24).
• Your operating system version (for example, iOS 17.5 or Android 14).
• The web browser and browser version you are using.
• A short description of what happens when you attempt to install or turn on notifications.