Animals — entry 003 of 20
Cataas
Cataas ("Cat as a Service") is a free, open-source REST API that returns random cat images and animated GIFs, filterable by tag, with options to overlay custom text or crop a specific position. A JSON mode (?json=true) returns the image's metadata — id, tags, and direct URL — instead of the binary file itself. It's maintained on GitHub under the cataas org with no signup or pricing tier; a Donate link is the site's only monetization.
AuthenticationNone requiredCall it straight away — no key, no signup.
HTTPSSupportedTraffic is encrypted in transit.
CORSEnabledCallable directly from browser JavaScript.
PricingFreeNo paid tier — free for the documented use case.
FormatsJSON, JPEG, GIFResponses can be requested as JSON or JPEG or GIF.
GreatAPIs Score
Score94
Authentication25/25No authentication required
Pricing20/20Free to use
Docs14/20Documentation URL provided
Formats15/15Supports 3 response formats
Freshness20/20Verified within 6 months
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<a href="https://greatapis.com/api/cataas/"><img src="https://greatapis.com/badge/cataas.svg" alt="Scored 94 on greatapis.com"></a>Auth quickstart
- No key needed — call it now.
Stored keyNo key stored
Your key is stored only in this browser (localStorage) and sent directly to the API — never to greatapis.