Catnap

Catnap is a plugin for Claude Code that triggers conversation compaction at clean breaks instead of mid-task.

Catnap is a plugin designed for Claude Code to manage conversation context limits more effectively. Instead of compacting the conversation mid-task when the context window fills up, catnap alerts Claude at a set percentage threshold. Claude then finishes its current piece of work, writes a handoff note, and compacts the conversation autonomously. This process eliminates the need for manual intervention and ensures that context compaction happens at a logical stopping point rather than interrupting ongoing tasks. It supports customized thresholds for soft notices, strict warnings, and auto-compaction backups. The tool runs locally, reading local logs without sending user data externally, and is compatible with terminal sessions and the desktop application.

Catnap at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: CLI, API, macOS, Windows, Linux
Pricing: Free and open source
Released: October 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: github.com/lippinc/catnap

Key features

Triggers conversation compaction at clean breaks
Allows Claude to write a handoff note before compacting
Customizable percentage thresholds for soft and strict notes
Local log checking via command line
Autonomous execution without manual typing
Integrates with Claude Code

Use it for

Managing large context windows during long coding sessions
Preventing mid-task interruptions during automated AI workflows
Preserving task context across conversation compaction

Companions

Tools that articles about Catnap recommend using with it, each with its job.

Claude Code — Built to work with Claude Code.
Claude — Built to work with Claude.
Context7 — Provides up-to-date documentation for AI agents and code editors.
Playwright MCP — Enables LLMs to interact with web pages using structured accessibility snapshots.
GitHub MCP Server — Reads pull requests, issues and code search on GitHub.
Superpowers — Brainstorm, plan and execute skills for bigger tasks.

Alternatives to Catnap

Fast Jev Compaction — It keeps tool calls and results verbatim using Jev decisions instead of summaries.
Compactly — Compacts sessions at natural breaks and shows turn costs and cache expiration.
claude-mem — It shares persistent, searchable agent memory across sessions and devices.
claudecode.nvim — Adds native AI coding assistant functionality to Neovim.
Perch — Manages multiple Claude Code sessions and tracks pull request states in one place.
Claude Context — It reduces token costs and provides deep context for large codebases.
Claude Passnote — Direct inter-agent messaging across multiple computers without manual relay.
Lcc — Cuts token counts significantly without losing exact session details.
phonebook — Query another repository's Claude Code session directly from your current workspace.
Ctxfw — Reduces AI context token mass while preserving code structure and dependencies.
Auto Handoff — Saves cache costs by writing a handoff file before idle sessions expire.
Juiced — Runs Claude Code in a persistent cloud workspace while the laptop is closed.

All Catnap alternatives