CAT File

What are CAT files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a CAT file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your CAT files.

What is a CAT file?

CAT files have multiple uses, and Microsoft Security Catalog is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Microsoft Security Catalog File

A security catalog file is a digital signature for a collection of files. A catalog file contains a collection of cryptographic hashes - one for each file in the collection.

Plug and Play device installation recognizes the signed catalog file of a device driver package as its digital signature, where each "thumbprint" in the catalog file corresponds to a file that is installed by the driver package.

How to open CAT files

Important: Different programs may use files with the CAT file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your CAT file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different CAT openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: June 29, 2022

All known file formats using extension .CAT

While Microsoft Security Catalog File is a popular type of CAT-file, we know of 8 different uses of the .CAT file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Casio Calculator Tape Format

We know that one CAT format is Casio Calculator Tape Format. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Elcomsoft Advanced Disc Catalog File

We know that one CAT format is Elcomsoft Advanced Disc Catalog File. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Frostbite Catalog File

We know that one CAT format is Frostbite Catalog File. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

HotHelp Catalog File

We know that one CAT format is HotHelp Catalog File. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Maxon Cinema 4D Catalog

We know that one CAT format is Maxon Cinema 4D Catalog. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Starcat Disks Catalog File

We know that one CAT format is Starcat Disks Catalog File. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

WinCat Disk Catalog File

We know that one CAT format is WinCat Disk Catalog File. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of CAT files. Remember, different programs may use CAT files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about CAT file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.