How to eliminate KittyTab browser hijacker and the redirects it generates
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is KittyTab?
Our research team discovered the KittyTab browser extension during a routine inspection of dubious websites. This piece of software is endorsed as a tool that displays feline-themed browser wallpapers.
However, our analysis revealed that this extension is a browser hijacker. KittyTab changes browser settings to promote (through redirects) the kittytab.com fake search engine.
KittyTab browser hijacker overview
Browser-hijacking software modifies browsers' default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window settings. Due to these modifications, Web searches performed via the URL bar and new browser tabs/windows opened – result in redirects to the promoted site.
Typically, browser hijackers push fake search engines, and KittyTab's mode of operation is no different. Hence, with this extension installed – users experience redirects to the kittytab.com webpage.
Illegitimate search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to genuine Internet search websites. This is also true of kittytab.com; it redirects to the Bing search engine (bing.com). Note that this webpage could land elsewhere, as factors like user geolocation may impact redirects.
Another thing of note is that browser-hijacking software commonly utilizes persistence-ensuring mechanisms to complicate its removal and prevent users from recovering their browsers.
Software within this classification tends to have data-tracking functionalities, and this might also apply to KittyTab. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like KittyTab on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | KittyTab |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | KittyTab |
| Supposed Functionality | Cat-themed browser wallpapers |
| Promoted URL | kittytab.com |
| Detection Names (kittytab.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (kittytab.com) | 3.128.59.115 |
| Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling). |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Browser hijacker examples
We have analyzed numerous browser hijackers; Search Soar USA, Bee Hive, Quick Newtab, and Art New tabs are but a few examples.
Browser-hijacking software usually appears legitimate and offers a broad range of "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. It must be stressed that functional features are not a definitive indicator of a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did KittyTab install on my computer?
KittyTab has an "official" download webpage. In addition to such legitimate-looking pages, browser hijackers are often pushed through scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to proliferate browser-hijacking software.
Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive adverts spread browser hijackers as well. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. We recommend treating installation processes with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with KittyTab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Appearance of kittytab.com redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):
Permissions asked by KittyTab browser hijacker:
Website promoting KittyTab browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is KittyTab?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove KittyTab browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove kittytab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove kittytab.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
KittyTab browser hijacker removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
KittyTab browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove KittyTab browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "KittyTab" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "KittyTab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.kittytab.com) below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for "kittytab.com", when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the kittytab.com redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "KittyTab", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "KittyTab", remove hxxp://kittytab.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with kittytab.com redirect removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon 
near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the kittytab.com redirect, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users to visit kittytab.com website?
Developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers, as well as other cyber criminals can generate revenue through redirects to websites like kittytab.com.
Is visiting kittytab.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Sites classed as fake search engines (e.g., kittytab.com, etc.) typically collect information about their visitors to sell it to third-parties.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are primarily distributed through bundled installers, deceptive promotional pages, freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, online scams, spam browser notifications, and intrusive adverts.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove KittyTab browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all browser-hijacking applications present. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective, particularly when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In these cases, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. What is more, browser-hijacking software might be able to deny access to removal-related settings. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
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