Plugins / Reading & PDFs

Zotero-Cat

by Zotero-Cat · github.com/Zotero-Cat/Zotero-Cat

Zotero-Cat is a Zotero item-pane assistant for reading, summarizing, reviewing, and discussing research items with user-selected model providers.

View source
Downloads a .xpi file (2.3 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
10
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
51
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
1
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
AGPL-3.0
B
Atlas gradeUse with care
because a zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you (from zotero-plugin-toolkit), and 1 more finding
Applies to v0.3.1, released 23 May 2026Code checked · tested installed in Zotero 9.0.6 on 27 Sep 2026
Doesn't work with the current Zotero (10)Works with Zotero 9.
What we found in the codeSets the gradeThe worst finding in these three areas sets the grade.
Code transparencyReadable code, uploaded by the project's automated GitHub buildThe release file was uploaded by the project's automated GitHub build. We haven't yet rebuilt it from the source to compare.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Updates
Updates come from this project's GitHub repositoryThe update address offers this version
Where your data goesOnly contacts services we could identify9 addresses in 3 groups.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
AI services (5)
api.deepseek.comnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.api.moonshot.cnnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.api.openai.comdashscope.aliyuncs.comnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.openrouter.ainamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.
Apps you connect (3)
api.duckduckgo.comduckduckgo.comnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.html.duckduckgo.comnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1named in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.
Where we found it
api.openai.comcontent/scripts/zoterocat.js · line 88972
"https://api.openai.com/v1"
api.duckduckgo.comcontent/scripts/zoterocat.js · line 94904
var DEFAULT_DUCKDUCKGO_ENDPOINT = "https://api.duckduckgo.com/";
Powerful capabilitiesA zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you, and 5 moreMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you (from zotero-plugin-toolkit)mediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install.A zotero:// link can make it run code if you approve a prompt (from zotero-plugin-toolkit)mediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install.Uses the clipboardlowLow concern.Stores API keys or passwordslowLow concern.Works with files on your computerlowLow concern.Uses Zotero's password managerlowLow concern.
Where we found it
A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-o…content/scripts/zoterocat.js · line 84102

zotero://plugin

Services.io.getProtocolHandler("zotero").wrappedJSObject._extensions["zotero://plugin"] = pluginBridgeExtension;
A zotero:// link can make it run code if you approve a promptcontent/scripts/zoterocat.js · line 84058

zotero://ztoolkit-debug

Services.io.getProtocolHandler("zotero").wrappedJSObject._extensions["zotero://ztoolkit-debug"] = debugBridgeExtension;
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 9 · not 10, 11 betaDoesn't work with the current Zotero (10)MediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Zotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✗ doesn't workZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needOr: a model on your own computerDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 23 May 20261 contributor
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface: English and Chinese
No further detail for this area yet.
We report what we found in the code. Open any area for the evidence.How we gradeReport a problem

What it does

Description coming soon. We haven't written a summary yet. The line above is the developer's own description; the developer's README is linked above.

What you'll need

Detected automatically
  • Or: a model on your own computerIt can use a local model such as Ollama
  • Zotero 9Not working with Zotero 10

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 9 addresses in 3 groups.

AI services (5)
api.deepseek.comnamed in its codeapi.moonshot.cnnamed in its codeapi.openai.comdashscope.aliyuncs.comnamed in its codeopenrouter.ainamed in its code
Apps you connect (3)
api.duckduckgo.comduckduckgo.comnamed in its codehtml.duckduckgo.comnamed in its code
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1named in its code
Evidence · file and line
api.openai.comcontent/scripts/zoterocat.js · line 88972
"https://api.openai.com/v1"
api.duckduckgo.comcontent/scripts/zoterocat.js · line 94904
var DEFAULT_DUCKDUCKGO_ENDPOINT = "https://api.duckduckgo.com/";

Forks and alternatives

No forks listed.

Plugins for the same job
  • NoteroReading & PDFs · Files, sync & backupA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • Bionic for ZoteroReading & PDFsA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • ZotLitReading & PDFs · Citing & writingA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • Zotero Focused ModeReading & PDFsA+Recommended, tested in Zotero

The developer's response

The developer hasn't responded. Developers can reply here, and their reply sits next to our findings.I'm the developer
Install Zotero-Cat
BUse with care
Before you install: A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you (from zotero-plugin-toolkit), and 1 more finding.Read the finding
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