This AI From Japan Can Detect If Cats Are In Pain
A New App Was Trained Using 6,000 Pictures of Cats, and Developers Say It Is More Than 95% Accurate
In a purr-fect blend of technology and feline care, Japan has unveiled an AI app that can detect if your cat is in pain, with an impressive accuracy rate of over 95%.
Developed by Careology and researchers at Nihon University, this app, whimsically named CatsMe!, uses a database of 6,000 cat photos to decode those mysterious feline expressions.
“In 2023, the number of pet cats held in Japan was estimated at around 9.1 million.”
Professor Edamura, the head of the Animal Medical Centre at Nihon University, who spearheaded the project, remarked, "Veterinarians like myself can often tell if an animal is in pain, but it's much harder for owners to do so. More than 70% of elderly cats suffer from arthritis or pain, yet only 2% of them actually receive medical attention."
The CatsMe! app isn't about replacing your vet, but rather giving you a heads-up if your furry friend might need one. "We use the app to make owners aware of whether their cat's condition is normal or not," explained Professor Edamura. And it seems the idea has caught on—since its launch in Japan last year, more than 230,000 people have turned to CatsMe! to keep an eye on their cats.
Cats are a popular choice for Japanese households, often seen as the perfect pet alternative for those not raising children—a reflection of the country's broader demographic trends. “In 2023, the number of pet cats held in Japan was estimated at around 9.1 million. Cats remained one of the leading animals held as pets in Japan,” according to research from Statista.
“As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, innovations like these are crucial in promoting responsible pet ownership.”
But with great cat ownership comes great responsibility, and the booming pet market has sparked concerns among animal welfare advocates in the country about the potential for exploitation.
Thankfully, technology like CatsMe! is helping to ensure that pets receive the care they deserve. By equipping cat owners with the tools to recognize when their pets are in pain, this app is making a significant stride in the realm of pet care technology.
As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, innovations like these are crucial in promoting responsible pet ownership and ensuring our furry companions lead happy, healthy lives.