Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 12, 2026

1. Introduction

Cat Map ("we", "our", "us"), operated by PetarByte, is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your information when you use our mobile application ("App").

By using Cat Map, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

  • Account information: Email address, username, and optional profile photo.
  • Location data: Your device's GPS coordinates when you actively use features such as viewing the map, adding cats, or logging visits. We do not collect location data in the background.
  • User-generated content: Cat photos, cat profiles (name and location), visit records, behavioral observations, star ratings, written reviews, review photos, and health reports.
  • Transaction data: If you make in-app purchases, we store the transaction ID, product type, platform (iOS/Android), and purchase date. Payment processing is handled entirely by Apple App Store or Google Play Store — we never collect or store your credit card or payment details.
  • Device information: Device type, operating system version, and app version for compatibility purposes.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and maintain the App's core features, including the cat map, visits, reviews, and health reports
  • Display cat locations and profiles on the interactive map
  • Process and verify in-app purchases (CatCoins, Premium subscriptions, donations)
  • Calculate user scores, levels, and leaderboard rankings
  • Deliver in-app notifications about followers, godparent events, and bidding activity
  • Enable social features such as following other users and viewing activity
  • Facilitate the godparent bidding system and CatCoin economy
  • Process content moderation reports submitted by users
  • Enforce our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

We share information only in these limited cases:

  • Public profile: Your username, profile photo, score, level, number of visits, godchildren, and added cats are visible to other authenticated users.
  • Public cat data: Cat profiles (name, photo, location, health status, ratings) you create are visible to all authenticated users.
  • Follower visibility: Users who mutually follow each other can see each other's cat lists and activity details.
  • Service providers: We use Supabase for database hosting, authentication, and cloud storage. Your data is processed in accordance with Supabase's privacy policy.
  • Map rendering: Mapbox (Mapbox, Inc.) renders the interactive map and receives map viewport coordinates (area bounds and zoom level) to serve map tiles. Mapbox processes data in accordance with their privacy policy at mapbox.com/legal/privacy.
  • App store payments: Purchase receipts are validated through Apple App Store or Google Play Store infrastructure.
  • Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of our users or the public.

5. Data Storage & Security

Your data is stored securely using Supabase, which provides encryption at rest and encryption in transit via HTTPS/TLS. We implement row-level security policies on all database tables to ensure users can only access data they are authorized to see.

Photos are stored in Supabase cloud storage and transmitted over encrypted connections. All images are compressed to a maximum of 200 KB before upload.

Authentication tokens are stored locally on your device using secure storage. Passwords are hashed and managed by Supabase Auth — we never have access to your plaintext password.

No method of electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Location Privacy

Cat Map requests foreground location access to enable core features. You can control location permissions through your device settings at any time.

  • We do not track your location in the background. Background location services are explicitly disabled.
  • Location data is accessed only when you actively interact with the map, log a visit, or add a new cat.
  • Cat locations (GPS coordinates) are shared publicly on the map so other users can find and visit them.
  • Your personal location is never shared with other users or stored on our servers. It is used only locally on your device to show your position on the map and to determine proximity to cats for visit eligibility (within 100 meters).

7. Photos & Media

When adding a cat, the App uses your device's camera to capture a photo. Cat photos are taken directly from the camera (gallery selection is not permitted for cat profiles) to ensure authenticity.

Review photos and profile avatars may also be uploaded. All photos are compressed before upload and stored in our cloud storage.

Photos associated with cat profiles, reviews, and your avatar are visible to other authenticated users. By uploading a photo, you confirm that you have the right to share it and that it does not contain inappropriate content.

We access your device's camera only with your explicit permission. You can revoke camera permissions at any time through your device settings.

8. In-App Purchases

Cat Map offers optional in-app purchases:

  • CatCoin packs: Virtual currency used for godparent bidding and badges
  • Premium subscription: Annual subscription providing cosmetic features (premium cat icons, theme customization)
  • Donations: Voluntary support contributions

All payments are processed entirely by Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). We do not collect or store any payment card information. We store only the transaction ID and product details for purchase verification and to credit your account.

Purchased CatCoins and donations are non-refundable except where required by applicable law. Premium subscriptions can be cancelled at any time through your device's app store settings.

9. Children's Privacy

Cat Map is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at petarbyte@gmail.com and we will promptly delete that information.

Users between 13 and 18 should review these policies with a parent or guardian before using the App.

10. Data Retention & Deletion

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with the App's services.

You can delete your account at any time from within the App (Profile → Delete Account). Account deletion permanently removes:

  • Your profile, username, and avatar
  • All reviews, review photos, visit records, and interactions
  • Your favorites and godparent claims
  • All follow relationships
  • Health reports you submitted
  • Notifications, CatCoin balance, badges, and purchase history
  • Reports you submitted

Cats you added will remain on the map for the benefit of the community, but your name will be removed as the creator.

You may also request account deletion by emailing petarbyte@gmail.com from the email address associated with your account.

11. Your Rights

Depending on your location from which you access the App, you may have certain rights regarding your personal data, including:

  • The right to access the personal data we hold about you
  • The right to request correction of inaccurate data
  • The right to request deletion of your data
  • The right to withdraw consent for data processing
  • The right to data portability

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at petarbyte@gmail.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

12. Third-Party Services

Cat Map relies on the following third-party services, each governed by their own privacy policies:

  • Supabase (supabase.com) — Database hosting, user authentication, and cloud file storage
  • Mapbox (mapbox.com) — Interactive map rendering on Android and iOS
  • Apple App Store (apple.com) — App distribution and payment processing on iOS
  • Google Play Store (play.google.com) — App distribution and payment processing on Android

We do not use any third-party analytics, advertising, or crash reporting services within the App. Our website (cat-map.com) uses Google Analytics for anonymous, aggregated website traffic analysis.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of significant changes through the App.

The "Last updated" date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last revised. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us: