Privacy Policy
Last updated: June 2026
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This Privacy Policy explains what information Catology ("Catology", "we", "us") collects when you use the Catology mobile app and website, how we use it, and the third parties we share it with. We've tried to keep it plain. If anything is unclear, email support@catology.life.
1. Information we collect
- Account information — your email address, optional display name, and the identifier from the sign-in method you choose (Sign in with Apple, Google, or email and password).
- Cat profiles — information you enter about your cats, such as name, breed, birthday, weight, and personality notes.
- Photos you scan — when you take or choose a photo and tap to scan it, that photo is uploaded for analysis. We never upload photos silently; a photo only leaves your device as the result of a scan you start.
- Scan results — the structured output of a scan (mood, body-language read, confidence, and the generated "thought") and a small thumbnail, saved to your cat's timeline.
- Subscription & device data — your subscription status and the technical data needed to operate the app (such as app version and language). Payments are handled by Apple; we do not receive your card details.
2. How we use your photos and AI analysis
When you scan a photo, it is sent to Google Gemini (a third-party AI service operated by Google) to generate the mood and body-language read. Because a scanned photo is associated with your account, we treat it as personal data.
- We ask for your explicit consent before your first scan, in a prompt that names Google Gemini and explains that the photo is what gets sent. You can withdraw that consent at any time in the app under Settings → Privacy.
- After analysis, the original full-resolution photo is dropped. We retain only the structured result and a small thumbnail that you own and can delete.
- We do not use your photos to train AI models, and we do not log photos to third-party logging services.
3. Third-party providers
We share the minimum data needed with the following providers:
| Provider | Purpose | What is shared |
|---|---|---|
| Google Gemini | AI analysis of scanned cat photos (mood & body language) | The photo you scan |
| Apple — Sign in with Apple | Account sign-in | The Apple-provided account identifier and email |
| Google — Google Sign-In | Account sign-in | The Google-provided account identifier and email |
| Amazon Web Services (AWS SES) | Transactional email (account and password-reset messages) | Your email address and the message contents |
| Apple — App Store / StoreKit | Subscription purchases and billing | Purchase receipts (handled by Apple) |
If we add or change a provider that processes your personal data, we will update this policy and, where required, ask for your consent again.
4. How long we keep data
We keep your account information, cat profiles, and scan results for as long as your account is active. Scanned originals are dropped immediately after analysis as described above. You can remove individual photos, or all of your uploaded photos, from Settings → Privacy in the app.
5. Deleting your account
You can delete your account at any time from inside the app. Deleting your account permanently removes your user record, your linked sign-in provider identifiers, your cat profiles, your scan history, and your uploaded photos from our systems. If you have an active subscription, manage or cancel it separately in iOS Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions, as Apple controls billing.
6. Security
Data is transmitted over encrypted connections and stored on servers hosted outside mainland China. While no system can be guaranteed perfectly secure, we take reasonable measures to protect your information.
7. Children
Catology is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your region), and we do not knowingly collect their personal data.
8. Regions
Catology is offered in global App Store territories excluding mainland China. Your data may be processed in countries other than the one you live in; where required by law, we rely on appropriate safeguards for those transfers.
9. Your choices
- Withdraw AI-scan consent at any time (Settings → Privacy).
- Delete individual or all uploaded photos.
- Delete your account and all associated data.
- Contact us to ask what we hold about you.
10. Not veterinary advice
Catology provides behavior and mood insights for entertainment and journaling. It is not veterinary advice and does not diagnose illness. Consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concern.
11. Changes
We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, by an in-app notice.
12. Contact
Questions about privacy? Email support@catology.life. Catology is operated by [Company], [Jurisdiction].