# PlaceKitten MCP

> PlaceKitten generates placeholder kitten images of any size for your web mockups and design assets. Need a full-color cat image or a strict black-and-white version? This server gives you two simple tools—`get_kitten` and `get_grayscale_kitten`—to instantly fetch high-quality, dimension-specific placeholders without leaving your coding environment.

## Overview
- **Category:** design-creative
- **Price:** Free
- **Tags:** placeholder-images, kittens, web-development, prototyping, design-tools

## Description

PlaceKitten handles mockup kitten images—it's what you use when your design mockups need placeholder assets but you don't wanna jump out to another site just to grab a picture. You can run this right from your code editor or chat window.

This server gives you two specific tools: `get_kitten` and **`get_grayscale_kitten`**. They let you get high-quality, dimension-specific placeholders without messing up your workflow. The whole point is precision; you need the image to fit exactly where it's supposed to go.

If you gotta generate a standard, full-color kitten mockup, use the **`get_kitten`** tool. This gets you a classic placeholder that shows off color fidelity and general design context. When you call this tool, you specify the exact dimensions—the width and height in pixels—that your layout demands. You tell it 'I need 400 by 300,' and it gives you exactly that size, keeping your mockups consistent.

Need something different? If your design theme calls for a specific monochrome look or if color is distracting from the core UI element, use **`get_grayscale_kitten`**. This tool generates a strictly black-and-white kitten placeholder. It’s perfect when you're building out a minimalist site concept or testing how text and structure look against a muted background. Just like the full-color version, you call this tool and define the precise pixel dimensions—the width and height—you need for your asset slot.

You never have to guess on size. Whether you’re pulling a vibrant, full-color kitten with **`get_kitten`** or a clean, monochrome one using **`get_grayscale_kitten`**, both tools let you set custom dimensions. You control the exact pixel count for width and height in every single request. This means if your layout needs an image that's 600 pixels wide by 450 pixels tall, you specify those numbers, and you get it.

Using these two tools gives you total control over two key elements: color palette and physical size. You can grab the full-color standard through **`get_kitten`**, or you can go strictly B&W with **`get_grayscale_kitten`**. Both options let your agent specify custom dimensions, guaranteeing that the placeholder image you receive matches the pixel requirements of your design system perfectly. It's built for developers who know exactly what they need and don't have time for guesswork. You’re dealing only in function calls: define the color—full or gray—and define the exact width/height needed. That’s it.

## Tools

### get_grayscale_kitten
Fetches a kitten image that is strictly black and white, allowing you to match specific design themes.

### get_kitten
Retrieves a standard, full-color kitten placeholder image. You can specify the exact dimensions needed for your layout.

## Prompt Examples

**Prompt:** 
```
Get a kitten image 400 pixels wide and 300 pixels high.
```

**Response:** 
```
I've generated a 400x300 kitten image for you: https://placekitten.com/400/300
```

**Prompt:** 
```
I need a grayscale kitten placeholder, 500x500 pixels.
```

**Response:** 
```
Here is a 500x500 grayscale kitten image for your project: https://placekitten.com/g/500/500
```

**Prompt:** 
```
Show me a kitten image that is 800x200 for a website banner.
```

**Response:** 
```
I've fetched an 800x200 kitten image suitable for a banner: https://placekitten.com/800/200
```

## Capabilities

### Generate basic kitten images
Use `get_kitten` to fetch full-color kitten placeholders with specific width and height.

### Get black and white kitten images
Use `get_grayscale_kitten` to generate monochrome (black and white) kitten placeholders for minimalist designs.

### Specify custom dimensions
Set precise pixel dimensions (width x height) for any image request using either tool.

## Use Cases

### Testing component resizing for mobile views
A frontend developer needs to see how an image container looks when scaled down. They ask their agent to use `get_kitten` with dimensions of 300x150 pixels, instantly getting a working mockup asset URL without manually adjusting any files.

### Designing a minimalist landing page
A UI/UX designer is building a site that must feel clean and monochrome. They tell their agent to use `get_grayscale_kitten` for all main visual elements, ensuring the placeholder assets maintain the desired B&W aesthetic throughout the prototype.

### Filling image gaps in an existing wireframe
A content prototyper is laying out a gallery section. They don't want to use generic boxes; they ask for several images using `get_kitten` with varying dimensions (e.g., 200x200, 400x300) to visualize the actual content flow.

### Comparing color vs. monochrome options
A designer needs to decide if a feature should be presented in full color or B&W. They run two separate calls: one with `get_kitten` and another with `get_grayscale_kitten`, comparing the immediate outputs side-by-side.

## Benefits

- Need to test a banner section? Call `get_kitten` and specify the exact width and height, like 800x200. You get an immediate URL for your mockup, saving file handling time.
- Building a dark mode design? Use `get_grayscale_kitten`. It forces black and white placeholders so you can test the aesthetic without needing color assets.
- Eliminate placeholder fatigue. Instead of using generic gray boxes, you use PlaceKitten to generate real-looking kitten images that fit your exact component size (e.g., 400x300).
- Your AI client handles the API calls. You just tell it: 'Give me a grayscale image, 500x500.' The server takes care of the rest.
- It's quick and simple. Whether you need color or black-and-white assets, calling `get_kitten` or `get_grayscale_kitten` is a single step in your conversation.

## How It Works

The bottom line is that your AI client handles the API call to PlaceKitten using one of its two tools and gives you the resulting image link.

1. 1. Connect the PlaceKitten MCP Server to your AI client via Vinkius.
2. 2. Tell your agent what you need: Are you building a full-color mockup, or do you require black and white assets? What are the exact pixel dimensions?
3. 3. Your agent calls either `get_kitten` or `get_grayscale_kitten`, providing the size parameters, and returns a direct image URL.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How do I use get_kitten for my mockup?**
To use it, ask your agent to 'Get a kitten image 400 pixels wide and 300 pixels high.' The server uses `get_kitten` to generate the full-color asset link immediately.

**Is get_grayscale_kitten different from get_kitten?**
Yes, they serve different purposes. `get_kitten` returns color images; `get_grayscale_kitten` specifically enforces a black and white aesthetic, which is useful for certain design themes.

**Does PlaceKitten require an API key?**
No specific key is required. Since it's a public service, you just need to tell your agent to use the available tools in the chat.

**What if I change the dimensions for get_kitten?**
You simply update the numbers in your prompt (e.g., '200x150 pixels'). The server uses `get_kitten` and generates a new image link with those precise specs.

**What happens if I pass invalid dimensions to the `get_kitten` tool?**
The server returns a structured error message detailing the input failure. This means your AI client handles it gracefully, telling you exactly which pixel value was wrong or missing.

**Are there any rate limits when using the `get_grayscale_kitten` tool?**
The service is designed for high volume usage. While no strict technical limit exists on our end, excessive calls in rapid succession might trigger temporary throttling to maintain performance.

**How does the AI client handle the URL output from `get_kitten`?**
Your agent receives the direct image URL. You can then pass that link straight into markdown or a web component, allowing your workflow to use the generated asset immediately.

**Do I need any special setup for my AI client to access `PlaceKitten`?**
No complicated setup is needed. Since it's an MCP server, you just connect your preferred agent (like Claude or Cursor) via the Vinkius Marketplace connection point.

**How do I get a kitten image with specific dimensions?**
Use the `get_kitten` tool and provide the desired `width` and `height` in pixels. The agent will return a URL to a kitten image matching those exact dimensions.

**Can I generate black and white kitten images for my design?**
Yes! Use the `get_grayscale_kitten` tool. It works just like the standard tool but applies a grayscale filter to the image, perfect for minimalist or wireframe designs.

**Is an API key required to use PlaceKitten?**
No, PlaceKitten is a free public service. You don't need to create an account or generate a token. Simply connect the server and start using it.