An AI App That Detects If Cats Are In Pain Is Helping Pet Owners Reduce Unnecessary Vet Visits
A new AI-driven app called CatsMe! is helping cat owners in Japan determine if their pets are in pain. Developed by tech startup Carelogy and Nihon University researchers, the app analyses photos of cats to assess their health.
The app uses a database of 6,000 images and an accuracy rate of over 95%, making it a valuable tool for early diagnosis and treatment. The app has seen over 230,000 users since its launch last year, and developers expect the accuracy rate to increase over time as the AI trains on more feline faces.
CatsMe! Already Used To Help Reduce Unnecessary Vet Visits By Pet Owners
Mayumi Kitakata, a 57-year-old Tokyo resident, uses CatsMe! to monitor her 14-year-old cat, Chi. Kitakata appreciates how the app helps her reduce unnecessary vet visits while ensuring Chi's well-being.
“He is at an age where more and more diseases are going to appear," she said. "So being able to consult the vet but still reduce the number of visits to the hospital is very important for him and for me."
Japan’s pet population has surged, with nearly 16 million cats and dogs, surpassing the number of children under 15. This demographic shift has heightened the role of pets in Japanese households.
Professor Kazuya Edamura from Nihon University highlighted that over 70% of elderly cats experience pain, yet only a small fraction visit the vet. He noted, "Rather than a final diagnosis, we use [the app] as a tool to make owners aware of whether the situation is normal or not."
CatsMe! Follows Trend Of Technology In Pet Care
The AI app's success reflects a growing trend in integrating technology with pet care. Go Sakioka, CEO of Carelogy, envisions the app's future improvements and potential fees. “I hope it can be used as a tool to quickly identify changes in a cat’s health,” he said.
The app's ability to provide objective assessments could also enhance veterinary practices, reducing diagnosis errors.
Kitakata's experience with Chi underscores the app's potential impact. Reflecting on a past loss, she said, "If I had noticed it, maybe we could have done cancer treatment earlier or something and it would have helped."
For pet owners like her, CatsMe! represents a significant advancement in ensuring their pets lead healthier, longer lives.
