Cat Mira Triggers 5 Keyboard Shortcuts on Mac and Windows, Teaching Owner Hidden Features
Updated
Updated · WIRED · May 11
Cat Mira Triggers 5 Keyboard Shortcuts on Mac and Windows, Teaching Owner Hidden Features
7 articles · Updated · WIRED · May 11
5 accidental shortcuts taught the author how Mira’s walks across a MacBook and a Windows PC can hide windows, switch virtual desktops, grab screenshots and toggle the Mac dock.
Mac commands like Command-Option-H, Control-Left/Right and Command-Option-D explained why windows seemed to vanish or the dock suddenly appeared after the cat stepped on the keyboard.
Windows shortcuts including Windows-comma, Windows-Ctrl-Left/Right and Windows-Shift-S revealed similar tricks on Kathy’s PC, especially for hiding windows and taking screenshots.
Accessibility features added the most confusion: pressing Shift 5 times can enable Sticky Keys, while holding Right Shift for 5 seconds can turn on Filter Keys and make typing seem broken.
The mishaps turned routine cat interference into an improvised lesson in built-in Mac and Windows features, even as the owner tries to train Mira off the keyboards.
Can accidental 'keyboard cat' moments truly spark the next big technological breakthrough?
What are the real security risks of letting pets have free access to your work computer?
Are our devices hiding their best features, requiring a cat's 'help' to find them?