TL;DR:
- CatsMe!, an AI-driven smartphone app, helps cat owners in Japan detect feline pain with over 95% accuracy.
- The app has been used by over 230,000 customers since its launch, reflecting Japan’s growing reliance on pets due to its ageing population and low birth rate.
- AI and AGI technologies are playing an increasingly significant role in pet healthcare, offering promising solutions for early disease detection and improved quality of life for pets.
AI and Japan’s Feline Friends
In Japan, cats are more than just pets. They are cherished family members, and their wellbeing is a top priority for their owners. With an ageing population and a declining birth rate, pets have an outsized role in Japanese society. According to the Japan Pet Food Association, there were nearly 16 million pet cats and dogs in the country last year, surpassing the number of children under 15.
One such cat owner is Mayumi Kitakata, a 57-year-old single mother who has had cats as companions for over three decades. Kitakata is determined to give her ageing feline, Chi, the best care possible. To achieve this, she has turned to an unlikely ally – artificial intelligence (AI).
CatsMe!: The AI-Powered Cat Care Companion
In March, Kitakata became an early adopter of CatsMe!, an AI-driven smartphone application designed to detect when a cat is in pain. This innovative app reduces the guesswork involved in deciding when a vet visit is necessary, making life easier for both cats and their owners.
Developed by tech startup Carelogy and researchers from Nihon University, CatsMe! was trained on 6,000 cat images. Since its launch last year, the app has been used by over 230,000 customers. The developers claim that CatsMe! is more than 95% accurate, and its precision is expected to improve as it analyses more feline faces.
The Impact of AI on Pet Healthcare
Professor Kazuya Edamura of Nihon University explains that while veterinarians can determine to some extent if an animal is in pain, it’s more challenging for pet owners. He states, “Our statistics show that more than 70% of elderly cats have arthritis or pain, but only 2% of them actually go to a hospital.” The app serves as a tool to help owners decide if a situation is normal or requires veterinary attention.
For Kitakata, this technology offers peace of mind. She uses the app daily to monitor Chi’s health, keeping a close eye on his toilet activities and facial expressions. Having lost her previous cat, Soran, to cancer at just eight years old, Kitakata believes that early detection through AI could have made a difference.
The Future of AI and AGI in Pet Care
AI and AGI technologies are making significant strides in pet healthcare, offering solutions for early disease detection and improved quality of life for pets. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications that transform pet care, not just in Japan, but worldwide.
Have you used AI or AGI technologies to improve the healthcare of your pets? Share your experiences with us and let us know what you think about the future of AI in pet care. Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.
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