# How to integrate Cats MCP with Claude Code

```json
{
  "title": "How to integrate Cats MCP with Claude Code",
  "toolkit": "Cats",
  "toolkit_slug": "cats",
  "framework": "Claude Code",
  "framework_slug": "claude-code",
  "url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/claude-code",
  "markdown_url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/claude-code.md",
  "updated_at": "2026-05-12T10:05:49.695Z"
}
```

## Introduction

Manage your Cats directly from Claude Code with zero worries about OAuth hassles, API-breaking issues, or reliability and security concerns.
You can do this in two different ways:
- Via [Composio Connect](https://dashboard.composio.dev/login?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=composio_connect&next=%2F~%2Forg%2Fconnect%2Fclients%2Fclaude-code) - Direct and easiest approach
- Via [Composio SDK](https://docs.composio.dev/docs?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=composio_sdk) - Programmatic approach with more control

## Also integrate Cats with

- [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/claude-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/claude-cowork)
- [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/codex)
- [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/openclaw)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/hermes-agent)
- [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/cli)
- [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/google-adk)
- [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/langchain)
- [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/ai-sdk)
- [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/mastra-ai)
- [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/llama-index)
- [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/crew-ai)

## TL;DR

- Only one MCP URL to connect multiple apps with Claude Code with zero auth hassles.
- Programmatic tool calling allows LLMs to write its code in a remote workbench to handle complex tool chaining. Reduces to-and-fro with LLMs for frequent tool calling.
- Handling Large tool responses out of LLM context to minimize context rot.
- Dynamic just-in-time access to 20,000 tools across 1000+ other Apps for cross-app workflows. It loads the tools you need, so LLMs aren't overwhelmed by tools you don't need.

## Connect Cats to Claude Code

### Connecting Cats to Claude Code using Composio
1. Add the Composio MCP to Claude

```bash
claude mcp add --scope user --transport http composio https://connect.composio.dev/mcp
```

## What is Claude Code?

Claude Code is Anthropic's command line developer tool that lets you use Claude directly inside your terminal. Instead of switching between your editor, browser, and chat, you can stay in your project folder and ask Claude to help you build, debug, refactor, and understand code right where you're working.
Key features include:
- Terminal-Native Experience: Work with Claude directly in your command line without switching contexts
- MCP Support: Built-in support for Model Context Protocol servers to extend Claude's capabilities
- Project Context: Claude understands your project structure and can read, write, and modify files
- Interactive Development: Ask questions, debug code, and get help in real-time while coding
- Multi-Platform: Works on macOS, Linux, WSL, and Windows

## What is the Cats MCP server, and what's possible with it?

The Cats MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent and assistants like Claude, Cursor, etc directly to your Cats account. It provides structured and secure access to a wide collection of cat images, breed information, and fun feline facts, so your agent can fetch cat data, browse curated cat images, and pull breed details on your behalf.
- Portals listing for cat resources: Instruct your agent to list and browse all available cat-related portals, making it easy to explore organized collections of cat images and data.
- Metadata exploration with pagination: Have your agent efficiently page through vast cat collections, ensuring you can access just the right portal or dataset without missing a thing.
- On-demand cat image discovery: Let your agent find and retrieve high-quality cat images from the API’s large, curated library—perfect for enrichment or just a dose of cuteness.
- Access to detailed breed and fact data: Ask your agent to pull up detailed info on cat breeds and fun facts, making it a handy assistant for both research and entertainment.

## Supported Tools

| Tool slug | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| `CATS_CREATE_FAVOURITE` | Create Favourite | Tool to save an image as a favourite to your account. Use when you want to mark a cat image as a favourite for later retrieval or filtering by user ID. |
| `CATS_CREATE_VOTE` | Create Vote | Tool to vote on a cat image. Send image_id and value (1 for upvote, 0 for downvote) to register your vote. Optionally include sub_id for user tracking. |
| `CATS_DELETE_FAVOURITE` | Delete Favourite | Tool to delete a favourite from your account by its ID. Use when you need to remove a previously saved favourite image from your Cat API account. |
| `CATS_DELETE_IMAGE` | Delete Image | Delete an uploaded image from your account by its ID. Use this when you need to remove an image you previously uploaded to The Cat API. |
| `CATS_DELETE_VOTE` | Delete Vote | Tool to delete a vote from your account by its ID. Use when you need to remove a previously submitted vote for a cat image. |
| `CATS_GET_BREED` | Get Cat Breed by ID | Tool to get detailed information about a specific cat breed by its ID. Use when you need comprehensive details about a particular breed including temperament, origin, characteristics, and URLs. |
| `CATS_GET_FAVOURITE` | Get Favourite by ID | Tool to retrieve a specific favourite by its unique ID. Returns full favourite details including user ID, image ID, creation timestamp, and associated image data. Use when you need to fetch a particular favourite's information or verify favourite existence. |
| `CATS_GET_IMAGE` | Get Cat Image by ID | Tool to retrieve a specific cat image by its unique ID. Returns full image details including URL, dimensions, and breed information if available. Use when you need to fetch a particular image's data or verify image existence. |
| `CATS_GET_IMAGE_ANALYSIS` | Get Image Analysis | Get machine learning analysis results for an uploaded image. Returns labels with confidence scores, bounding boxes for detected objects, and content moderation results from ML vendors. Note: GIF images are not supported for analysis. |
| `CATS_GET_IMAGE_BREEDS` | Get Image Breeds | Tool to retrieve breed information associated with a specific cat image. Use when you need to identify which breed(s) are shown in a particular image from The Cat API. |
| `CATS_GET_PORTALS` | Get Cat Breeds | Retrieves a paginated list of cat breeds from The Cat API. Returns comprehensive breed information including name, description, temperament, origin, life span, and weight. Use this to browse available cat breeds or search for specific breed information. |
| `CATS_GET_VOTE` | Get Vote by ID | Retrieves a specific vote by its unique ID from The Cat API. Returns detailed vote information including the image ID, vote value, timestamp, and optional metadata like sub_id and country code. Use this when you need to fetch details about a specific vote. |
| `CATS_LIST_CATEGORIES` | List Image Categories | Retrieves a list of all active image categories from The Cat API. Categories include hats, sunglasses, boxes, sinks, and more. Use category IDs when searching or filtering images by category. |
| `CATS_LIST_FAVOURITES` | List Favourites | Tool to get all favourites belonging to your account. Use when you need to retrieve saved cat images, optionally filtered by sub_id. Supports pagination to browse through large collections of favourites. |
| `CATS_LIST_UPLOADED_IMAGES` | List Uploaded Images | Tool to get all images uploaded to your account via /images/upload. Supports pagination and filtering by sub_id or original filename. Use this to retrieve your uploaded images, check if a file already exists, or filter by user identifiers. The API returns images in order of upload date. |
| `CATS_LIST_VOTES` | List Votes | Tool to retrieve all votes you have created. Returns a paginated list of votes with image IDs, vote values, and metadata. Use this to view voting history, filter by user segment (sub_id), or analyze vote patterns. |
| `CATS_SEARCH_BREEDS` | Search Cat Breeds | Search for cat breeds by name. Use the 'q' parameter with part or all of the breed name to find matching breeds. Returns breed details including temperament, origin, and characteristics. |
| `CATS_SEARCH_IMAGES` | Search Cat Images | Search for random cat images with optional filters. Filter by breed availability, size, and file type. Returns an array of image objects with URLs and metadata. Use this to find cat images for display, testing, or content generation. The default behavior returns 1 random cat image. |

## Supported Triggers

None listed.

## Creating MCP Server - Stand-alone vs Composio SDK

The Cats MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects Claude Code (and other AI assistants like Claude and Cursor) directly to your Cats account. It provides structured and secure access so Claude can perform Cats operations on your behalf.
With Composio's managed implementation, you don't have to create your own developer app. For production, if you're building an end product, we recommend using your own credentials. The managed server helps you prototype fast and go from 0-1 faster.

## Step-by-step Guide

### 1. Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:
- Claude Pro, Max, or API billing enabled Anthropic account
- Composio API Key
- A Cats account
- Basic knowledge of Python or TypeScript

### 1. Install Claude Code

To install Claude Code, use one of the following methods based on your operating system:
```bash
# macOS, Linux, WSL
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

# Windows PowerShell
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

# Windows CMD
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
```

### 2. Set up Claude Code

Open a terminal, go to your project folder, and start Claude Code:
- Claude Code will open in your terminal
- Follow the prompts to sign in with your Anthropic account
- Complete the authentication flow
- Once authenticated, you can start using Claude Code
```bash
cd your-project-folder
claude
```

### 3. Set up environment variables

Create a .env file in your project root with the following variables:
- COMPOSIO_API_KEY authenticates with Composio (get it from [Composio dashboard](https://dashboard.composio.dev/login?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=api_key&next=%2F~%2Forg%2Fconnect%2Fclients%2Fclaude-code))
- USER_ID identifies the user for session management (use any unique identifier)
```bash
COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_composio_api_key_here
USER_ID=your_user_id_here
```

### 4. Install Composio library

No description provided.
```python
pip install composio-core python-dotenv
```

```typescript
npm install @composio/core dotenv
```

### 5. Generate Composio MCP URL

No description provided.
```python
import os
from composio import Composio
from dotenv import load_dotenv

load_dotenv()

COMPOSIO_API_KEY = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")
USER_ID = os.getenv("USER_ID")

composio_client = Composio(api_key=COMPOSIO_API_KEY)

composio_session = composio_client.create(
    user_id=USER_ID,
    toolkits=["cats"],
)

COMPOSIO_MCP_URL = composio_session.mcp.url

print(f"MCP URL: {COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}")
print(f"\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:")
print(f'claude mcp add --transport http cats-composio "{COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}" --headers "X-API-Key:{COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"')
```

```typescript
import 'dotenv/config';
import { Composio } from '@composio/core';

const { COMPOSIO_API_KEY, USER_ID } = process.env;

if (!COMPOSIO_API_KEY || !USER_ID) {
  throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY and USER_ID required in .env');
}

const composioClient = new Composio({ apiKey: COMPOSIO_API_KEY });

const composioSession = await composioClient.create(USER_ID, {
  toolkits: ['cats'],
});

const composioMcpUrl = composioSession?.mcp.url;

console.log(`MCP URL: ${composioMcpUrl}`);
console.log(`\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:`);
console.log(`claude mcp add --transport http cats-composio "${composioMcpUrl}" --headers "X-API-Key:${COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"`);
```

### 6. Run the script and copy the MCP URL

No description provided.
```python
python generate_mcp_url.py
```

```typescript
node --loader ts-node/esm generate_mcp_url.ts
# or if using tsx
tsx generate_mcp_url.ts
```

### 7. Add Cats MCP to Claude Code

In your terminal, add the MCP server using the command from the previous step. The command format is:
- claude mcp add registers a new MCP server with Claude Code
- --transport http specifies that this is an HTTP-based MCP server
- The server name (cats-composio) is how you'll reference it
- The URL points to your Composio Tool Router session
- --headers includes your Composio API key for authentication
After running the command, close the current Claude Code session and start a new one for the changes to take effect.
```bash
claude mcp add --transport http cats-composio "YOUR_MCP_URL_HERE" --headers "X-API-Key:YOUR_COMPOSIO_API_KEY"

# Then restart Claude Code
exit
claude
```

### 8. Verify the installation

Check that your Cats MCP server is properly configured.
- This command lists all MCP servers registered with Claude Code
- You should see your cats-composio entry in the list
- This confirms that Claude Code can now access Cats tools
If everything is wired up, you should see your cats-composio entry listed:
```bash
claude mcp list
```

### 9. Authenticate Cats

The first time you try to use Cats tools, you'll be prompted to authenticate.
- Claude Code will detect that you need to authenticate with Cats
- It will show you an authentication link
- Open the link in your browser (or copy/paste it)
- Complete the Cats authorization flow
- Return to the terminal and start using Cats through Claude Code
Once authenticated, you can ask Claude Code to perform Cats operations in natural language. For example:
- "Show me five random cat images"
- "List popular cat breeds with photos"
- "Find unique cat facts for trivia"

## Complete Code

```python
import os
from composio import Composio
from dotenv import load_dotenv

load_dotenv()

COMPOSIO_API_KEY = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")
USER_ID = os.getenv("USER_ID")

composio_client = Composio(api_key=COMPOSIO_API_KEY)

composio_session = composio_client.create(
    user_id=USER_ID,
    toolkits=["cats"],
)

COMPOSIO_MCP_URL = composio_session.mcp.url

print(f"MCP URL: {COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}")
print(f"\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:")
print(f'claude mcp add --transport http cats-composio "{COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}" --headers "X-API-Key:{COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"')
```

```typescript
import 'dotenv/config';
import { Composio } from '@composio/core';

const { COMPOSIO_API_KEY, USER_ID } = process.env;

if (!COMPOSIO_API_KEY || !USER_ID) {
  throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY and USER_ID required in .env');
}

const composioClient = new Composio({ apiKey: COMPOSIO_API_KEY });

const composioSession = await composioClient.create(USER_ID, {
  toolkits: ['cats'],
});

const composioMcpUrl = composioSession?.mcp.url;

console.log(`MCP URL: ${composioMcpUrl}`);
console.log(`\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:`);
console.log(`claude mcp add --transport http cats-composio "${composioMcpUrl}" --headers "X-API-Key:${COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"`);
```

## Conclusion

You've successfully integrated Cats with Claude Code using Composio's MCP server. Now you can interact with Cats directly from your terminal using natural language commands.
Key features of this setup:
- Terminal-native experience without switching contexts
- Natural language commands for Cats operations
- Secure authentication through Composio's managed MCP
- Tool Router for dynamic tool discovery and execution
Next steps:
- Try asking Claude Code to perform various Cats operations
- Add more toolkits to your Tool Router session for multi-app workflows
- Integrate this setup into your development workflow for increased productivity
You can extend this by adding more toolkits, implementing custom workflows, or building automation scripts that leverage Claude Code's capabilities.

## How to build Cats MCP Agent with another framework

- [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/claude-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/claude-cowork)
- [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/codex)
- [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/openclaw)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/hermes-agent)
- [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/cli)
- [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/google-adk)
- [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/langchain)
- [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/ai-sdk)
- [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/mastra-ai)
- [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/llama-index)
- [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cats/framework/crew-ai)

## Related Toolkits

- [Youtube](https://composio.dev/toolkits/youtube) - YouTube is a leading video-sharing platform for uploading, streaming, and discovering content. It empowers creators and businesses to reach global audiences and monetize their work.
- [Amara](https://composio.dev/toolkits/amara) - Amara is a collaborative platform for creating and managing subtitles and captions for videos. It helps make content accessible and multilingual for global audiences.
- [Chatfai](https://composio.dev/toolkits/chatfai) - Chatfai is an AI platform that lets users talk to AI versions of fictional characters from books, movies, and games. It offers an engaging, interactive experience for fans to chat, roleplay, and explore creative dialogues.
- [Cincopa](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cincopa) - Cincopa is a multimedia platform for uploading, managing, and customizing videos, images, and audio. It helps you deliver engaging media experiences with robust APIs and flexible integrations.
- [Dungeon fighter online](https://composio.dev/toolkits/dungeon_fighter_online) - Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO) is an arcade-style, side-scrolling action RPG packed with dynamic combat and progression. Play solo or with friends to battle monsters, complete quests, and upgrade your characters.
- [Elevenlabs](https://composio.dev/toolkits/elevenlabs) - Elevenlabs is an advanced AI voice generation platform for lifelike, multilingual speech synthesis. Perfect for creating natural voices for videos, apps, and business content in seconds.
- [Elevenreader](https://composio.dev/toolkits/elevenreader) - Elevenreader is an AI-powered text-to-speech service by ElevenLabs that converts written content into lifelike audio. It enables fast, natural audio generation from any text.
- [Epic games](https://composio.dev/toolkits/epic_games) - Epic Games is a leading video game publisher and digital storefront, known for Fortnite and Unreal Engine. It lets gamers access, manage, and purchase games all in one place.
- [Fal.ai](https://composio.dev/toolkits/fal_ai) - Fal.ai is a generative media platform offering 600+ AI models for images, video, voice, and audio. Developers use Fal.ai for fast, scalable access to cutting-edge generative AI tools.
- [Giphy](https://composio.dev/toolkits/giphy) - Giphy is the largest online library for searching and sharing GIFs and stickers. Instantly add vibrant animated content to your apps, chats, and workflows.
- [Headout](https://composio.dev/toolkits/headout) - Headout is a global platform for booking travel experiences, tours, and entertainment. It helps users discover and secure activities at top destinations, all in one place.
- [Imagekit io](https://composio.dev/toolkits/imagekit_io) - ImageKit.io is a cloud-based media management platform for image and video delivery. Instantly optimize, transform, and deliver visuals globally via a lightning-fast CDN.
- [Listennotes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/listennotes) - Listennotes is a powerful podcast search engine with a massive global database. Discover, search, and curate podcasts from around the world in seconds.
- [News api](https://composio.dev/toolkits/news_api) - News api is a REST API for searching and retrieving live news articles from across the web. Instantly access headlines, coverage, and breaking stories from thousands of sources.
- [RAWG Video Games Database](https://composio.dev/toolkits/rawg_video_games_database) - RAWG Video Games Database is the largest video game discovery and info service. Instantly access comprehensive details, ratings, and release dates for thousands of games.
- [Seat geek](https://composio.dev/toolkits/seat_geek) - SeatGeek is a live event platform offering APIs for concerts, sports, and theater data. Instantly access events, venues, and performers info for smarter ticketing and discovery.
- [Shotstack](https://composio.dev/toolkits/shotstack) - Shotstack is a cloud platform for programmatically generating videos, images, and audio. Automate creative content production at scale with flexible RESTful APIs.
- [Spotify](https://composio.dev/toolkits/spotify) - Spotify is a streaming service for music and podcasts with millions of tracks from artists worldwide. Enjoy personalized playlists, recommendations, and seamless listening across all your devices.
- [Ticketmaster](https://composio.dev/toolkits/ticketmaster) - Ticketmaster is a global platform for event discovery, ticket sales, and live entertainment management. Get real-time access to events and streamline ticketing for fans and organizers.
- [Gmail](https://composio.dev/toolkits/gmail) - Gmail is Google's email service with powerful spam protection, search, and G Suite integration. It keeps your inbox organized and makes communication fast and reliable.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the differences in Tool Router MCP and Cats MCP?

With a standalone Cats MCP server, the agents and LLMs can only access a fixed set of Cats tools tied to that server. However, with the Composio Tool Router, agents can dynamically load tools from Cats and many other apps based on the task at hand, all through a single MCP endpoint.

### Can I use Tool Router MCP with Claude Code?

Yes, you can. Claude Code fully supports MCP integration. You get structured tool calling, message history handling, and model orchestration while Tool Router takes care of discovering and serving the right Cats tools.

### Can I manage the permissions and scopes for Cats while using Tool Router?

Yes, absolutely. You can configure which Cats scopes and actions are allowed when connecting your account to Composio. You can also bring your own OAuth credentials or API configuration so you keep full control over what the agent can do.

### How safe is my data with Composio Tool Router?

All sensitive data such as tokens, keys, and configuration is fully encrypted at rest and in transit. Composio is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and follows strict security practices so your Cats data and credentials are handled as safely as possible.

---
[See all toolkits](https://composio.dev/toolkits) · [Composio docs](https://docs.composio.dev/llms.txt)
