TOKYO — Mayumi Kitakata, 57, is deeply invested in the well-being of her 14-year-old cat, Chi, who enjoys treats and the occasional indulgence in catnip, but is showing signs of aging that concern her.
Having had several cats over the years, Kitakata understands the challenges of detecting pain and illness in felines, especially as they grow older. To aid her in monitoring Chi’s health more effectively, she turned to an innovative solution: CatsMe!, an AI-driven smartphone application designed to assess a cat’s well-being based on facial expressions.
“In Chi’s case, where diseases could become more frequent due to age, it’s crucial to catch any issues early while minimizing stressful trips to the vet,” Kitakata explained, highlighting the importance of technology in managing her pet’s health.
Developed by tech startup Carelogy in collaboration with researchers at Nihon University, CatsMe! analyzes feline facial expressions using data from 6,000 cat images. Launched last year, the app boasts a high accuracy rate exceeding 95%, a figure expected to improve as the AI continues to learn from more cat faces.
According to Nihon University professor Kazuya Edamura, the app serves as a valuable tool for cat owners, bridging the gap between recognizing potential pain and seeking veterinary advice. “Our statistics indicate that a significant number of elderly cats suffer from conditions like arthritis, yet only a small fraction receive medical attention,” Edamura noted. “CatsMe! helps owners gauge whether their cat’s behavior is within normal parameters or indicative of discomfort.”
Kitakata, who resides in central Tokyo with Chi, monitors her cat’s daily activities closely, using CatsMe! to assess his condition regularly. Reflecting on past experiences, such as losing Soran to cancer at a young age, Kitakata expressed hope that early detection tools like CatsMe! could prevent similar heartaches in the future.
“With Soran, if I had been more aware of his condition, perhaps we could have intervened sooner,” Kitakata recalled emotionally. “Tools like CatsMe! offer a chance to catch problems earlier, potentially saving lives.”
As Japan’s pet population grows amid demographic shifts, with pets often playing pivotal roles in households, technological advancements like CatsMe! are increasingly valued for enhancing pet care and longevity. For Kitakata and Chi, this AI innovation represents a lifeline in their journey together, providing peace of mind and proactive health management.
