The full matrix
| Product | Windows | macOS | Linux | Browser | Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BongoCat by vladelaina | Yes | Yes | Yes (build from source) | No | No |
| Bongo Cat, the Steam game | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| BongoCat by ayangweb | Yes | Yes | Yes (x11) | No | No |
| Bongo-Cat-Mver | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| bongo.cat web toy | Any OS via browser | Any OS via browser | Any OS via browser | Yes | Plays, but is not a native app |
Linux: the open-source pets only
Linux support is the cleanest dividing line on this site. The vladelaina project publishes complete Debian/Ubuntu build documentation in its README, with the required packages (build-essential, cmake, ninja and the SDL3/OpenGL stack) listed step by step. That makes it the recommended pick for Linux users, and the download guide walks through the build.
One honest caveat applies to both open-source pets: global keyboard listening goes through X11 (XInput2). On a pure Wayland session that path is unavailable, and the vladelaina app's alternative is an experimental evdev mode that is off by default, must be requested per launch with BONGOCAT_ENABLE_EVDEV=1, and carries risks the README spells out (raw input can include passwords and is not paused on screen lock). X11 and XWayland sessions work out of the box; on Wayland, always-on-top and click-through also depend on the compositor. The ayangweb builds likewise target X11. Mver is Windows-only and has no Linux build at all.
The Steam game stays on Windows and macOS
The Steam version by Irox Games ships on two desktop platforms. It has no Linux build, and its store page lists no Steam Deck support. If you came here looking for a Bongo Cat on a Linux desktop, the open-source versions are the answer, not the Steam game; the versions explainer keeps all five straight. Install problems after you pick one go to troubleshooting.
No mobile app, from anyone
None of the five projects has an official mobile release. Phone apps named after Bongo Cat on the app stores are unrelated products; treat them with suspicion until you have checked the publisher. If you want the cat on a phone, the closest thing is opening bongo.cat in a mobile browser, where the toy will play sounds when you tap.
Why the desktop pets can listen on every OS
Any app that reacts to your keyboard needs a global input listener, on Windows, macOS and Linux alike. That is true for all three desktop pets and for the Steam game. What differs is who publishes the code and what they collect, which is the subject of the safety page.