cat-gemini-mcp
v1.6.0
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MCP server for Gemini CLI integration
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Gemini MCP Tool
📚 View Full Documentation - Search me!, Examples, FAQ, Troubleshooting, Best Practices
This is a simple Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants to interact with the Gemini CLI. It enables the AI to leverage the power of Gemini's massive token window for large analysis, especially with large files and codebases using the @ syntax for direction.
- Ask gemini natural questions, through claude or Brainstorm new ideas in a party of 3!
TLDR:
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Goal: Use Gemini's powerful analysis capabilities directly in Claude Code to save tokens and analyze large files.
Prerequisites
Before using this tool, ensure you have:
- Node.js (v16.0.0 or higher)
- Google Gemini CLI installed and configured
One-Line Setup
claude mcp add gemini-cli -- npx -y cat-gemini-mcpVerify Installation
Type /mcp inside Claude Code to verify the gemini-cli MCP is active.
Alternative: Import from Claude Desktop
If you already have it configured in Claude Desktop:
- Add to your Claude Desktop config:
"gemini-cli": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "cat-gemini-mcp"]
}- Import to Claude Code:
claude mcp add-from-claude-desktopConfiguration
Register the MCP server with your MCP client:
For NPX Usage (Recommended)
Add this configuration to your Claude Desktop config file:
{
"mcpServers": {
"gemini-cli": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "cat-gemini-mcp"]
}
}
}Model Selection
When no model is specified, the tool automatically tries models in order:
gemini-3.1-pro-previewgemini-3-pro-previewgemini-2.5-pro(stable GA fallback)
If a model fails, the next one in the chain is tried automatically. The response includes [model: ...] so you always know which model was used.
With Custom Default Model
You can pin a specific model via environment variable to skip the fallback chain:
{
"mcpServers": {
"gemini-cli": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "cat-gemini-mcp"],
"env": {
"GEMINI_DEFAULT_MODEL": "gemini-3.1-pro-preview"
}
}
}
}Supported environment variables:
GEMINI_DEFAULT_MODEL- Pins a specific model (skips fallback chain)DEFAULT_MODEL- Alternative name for the same settingGMCPT_LOG_LEVEL- Log verbosity:debug,info(default),warn,error
For Global Installation
If you installed globally, use this configuration instead:
{
"mcpServers": {
"gemini-cli": {
"command": "gemini-mcp"
}
}
}Configuration File Locations:
- Claude Desktop:
- macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json - Windows:
%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json - Linux:
~/.config/claude/claude_desktop_config.json
- macOS:
After updating the configuration, restart your terminal session.
Example Workflow
- Natural language: "use gemini to explain index.html", "understand the massive project using gemini", "ask gemini to search for latest news"
- Claude Code: Type
/gemini-cliand commands will populate in Claude Code's interface.
Usage Examples
With File References (using @ syntax)
ask gemini to analyze @src/main.js and explain what it doesuse gemini to summarize @. the current directoryanalyze @package.json and tell me about dependencies
General Questions (without files)
ask gemini to search for the latest tech newsuse gemini to explain div centeringask gemini about best practices for React development related to @file_im_confused_about
Using Gemini CLI's Sandbox Mode (-s)
The sandbox mode allows you to safely test code changes, run scripts, or execute potentially risky operations in an isolated environment.
use gemini sandbox to create and run a Python script that processes dataask gemini to safely test @script.py and explain what it doesuse gemini sandbox to install numpy and create a data visualizationtest this code safely: Create a script that makes HTTP requests to an API
Tools (for the AI)
These tools are designed to be used by the AI assistant.
ask-gemini: Asks Google Gemini for its perspective. Can be used for general questions or complex analysis of files.prompt(required): The analysis request. Use the@syntax to include file or directory references (e.g.,@src/main.js explain this code) or ask general questions (e.g.,Please use a web search to find the latest news stories).model(optional): The Gemini model to use. If not specified, triesgemini-3.1-pro-preview→gemini-3-pro-preview→gemini-2.5-pro.sandbox(optional): Set totrueto run in sandbox mode for safe code execution.
brainstorm: Generate novel ideas using creative frameworks (SCAMPER, Design Thinking, lateral thinking, etc.) with domain context, constraints, and feasibility analysis.prompt(required): The brainstorming challenge or question.methodology(optional): Framework to use (divergent,convergent,scamper,design-thinking,lateral,auto).model(optional): The Gemini model to use.
Ping: A simple test tool that echoes back a message.Help: Shows the Gemini CLI help text.
Slash Commands (for the User)
You can use these commands directly in Claude Code's interface (compatibility with other clients has not been tested).
- /analyze: Analyzes files or directories using Gemini, or asks general questions.
prompt(required): The analysis prompt. Use@syntax to include files (e.g.,/analyze prompt:@src/ summarize this directory) or ask general questions (e.g.,/analyze prompt:Please use a web search to find the latest news stories).
- /sandbox: Safely tests code or scripts in Gemini's sandbox environment.
prompt(required): Code testing request (e.g.,/sandbox prompt:Create and run a Python script that processes CSV dataor/sandbox prompt:@script.py Test this script safely).
- /help: Displays the Gemini CLI help information.
- /ping: Tests the connection to the server.
message(optional): A message to echo back.
Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Please see our Contributing Guidelines for details on how to submit pull requests, report issues, and contribute to the project.
License
This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.
Disclaimer: This is an unofficial, third-party tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Google.
