As Japan grapples with an aging population and declining birth rates, pets have become increasingly integral to many households. Last year, the Japan Pet Food Association reported nearly 16 million pet cats and dogs in the country, a number exceeding the population of children under 15. This demographic shift has spurred advancements in pet care technology, aiming to enhance the well-being of these cherished companions.
In response to this growing need, UK-based health tech startup Carelogy, in partnership with researchers at Nihon University, has developed an innovative AI-driven smartphone application called CatsMe!. This app empowers pet owners to monitor their cats’ health by detecting signs of pain, potentially reducing the necessity for frequent and stressful veterinary visits.
The application is user-friendly: pet owners upload a photo of their cat, and the AI analyzes the feline’s facial expression to assess the likelihood of pain, categorizing it into three levels—none, slight, or severe. This immediate feedback allows owners to make informed decisions about seeking professional care for their pets.
Since its launch last year, CatsMe! has attracted over 230,000 users across Japan. Trained on a database of 6,000 cat images, the AI boasts a reported accuracy of more than 95 percent. Developers anticipate further improvements as the system continues to learn from an expanding collection of feline faces.
The success of CatsMe! reflects a broader trend of integrating technology into pet care, highlighting the potential of AI to enhance animal welfare and enrich the lives of pet owners. As pets assume a more significant role in Japanese households, innovations like CatsMe! demonstrate how technology can strengthen the bond between humans and their animal companions.
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How AI apps help Japanese pet owners monitor their cats' health
cgtn.com
