Pets for Cursor is a simple web app that adds a small animated pet to follow your mouse cursor around the screen. Choose from a variety of animals, including a cat, dog, duck, and hamster, each with their own unique walking animation. The project is open-source and easily customizable, allowing users to add their own pets by providing a sprite sheet. It's a fun, lightweight way to personalize your browsing experience.
The author recounts their experience creating a Mii of their cat on their Wii, a process complicated by the limited customization options. They struggle to capture their cat's unique features, ultimately settling on a close-enough approximation. Despite the imperfections, the digital feline brings them joy, serving as a constant, albeit pixelated, companion on their television screen. The experience highlights the simple pleasures found in creative expression, even within the constraints of a limited platform, and the affectionate bond between pet and owner reflected in the desire to recreate their likeness.
Hacker News users generally found the story of the author's cat, Mii, to be heartwarming and relatable. Several commenters shared their own experiences of deep bonds with their pets, echoing the author's sentiments about the unique comfort and companionship animals provide. Some appreciated the author's simple, honest writing style, while others focused on the bittersweet nature of pet ownership, acknowledging the inevitable grief that comes with losing a beloved animal. A few comments humorously related to the cat's name, connecting it to the Nintendo Wii, and some questioned the veracity of certain details, suggesting parts of the story felt embellished. Overall, the discussion was positive and empathetic, highlighting the shared experience of pet love and loss.
Summary of Comments ( 10 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43555820
The Hacker News comments on "Show HN: Pets for Cursor" are generally positive and intrigued by the project. Several commenters express interest in trying it out or appreciate the novelty. Some suggest improvements like different pet options, customizable animations, and the ability to toggle the pet on/off. A few commenters raise potential downsides, such as the pet being distracting or interfering with clicking. One commenter notes the similarity to a previous project called "Cursorcerer," which was received favorably by their team. Overall, the comments indicate that while a simple idea, "Pets for Cursor" has sparked interest and discussion around its potential utility and entertainment value.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: Pets for Cursor" generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a mix of positive feedback, constructive criticism, and tangential conversations.
Several commenters expressed their enjoyment of the project, finding it cute and fun. Some appreciated the simplicity and whimsical nature of having a small pet follow their cursor. One user even suggested it could be a good way to introduce children to programming concepts.
A recurring theme in the comments was the performance aspect. Multiple users pointed out that the pet's movement appeared jerky or laggy, particularly on certain websites or with specific browser extensions. This led to suggestions for optimization, including using hardware acceleration or different animation techniques. One commenter offered specific advice related to requestAnimationFrame and reducing redraws.
The discussion also delved into the technical implementation of the project. Commenters inquired about the choice of JavaScript library and discussed alternative approaches. There was a brief exchange regarding the use of CSS transforms versus canvas for rendering the animation.
Beyond the technical aspects, the conversation touched on the broader implications of such cursor modifications. One commenter expressed concern about the potential for distraction or annoyance, particularly in professional settings. Another user raised the issue of accessibility, questioning whether the pet might interfere with assistive technologies.
Some commenters shared similar projects or resources, including browser extensions that offer cursor customization. This broadened the discussion to include different approaches to cursor enhancements and the potential use cases for such tools. There was even a brief detour into the history of cursor customization and the popularity of animated cursors in the early days of the internet.
While many appreciated the project's lighthearted nature, some commenters questioned its practical value and suggested potential improvements or alternative applications. For example, one user proposed using the pet as a visual indicator for loading or processing tasks. Another suggested integrating it with other browser functionalities, such as highlighting links or displaying notifications.
Overall, the comments reflect a general appreciation for the project's creativity while also acknowledging its limitations and suggesting areas for improvement. The discussion provided valuable feedback for the creator and sparked a wider conversation about cursor customization and its potential uses.