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An innovative artificial intelligence (AI) software has been designed to assess whether cats are experiencing pain simply by analyzing their facial expressions. This AI-powered app was created by a team of veterinarians and developers in Japan.
The developers trained the AI system using a database of 6,000 images of felines and boast an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 95%.
Professor Kazuya Edamura of the Animal Medical Centre at Nihon University, who collaborated on the project, noted that while veterinarians can often gauge if an animal is hurting, it’s more challenging for pet owners.
He highlighted the issue of feline discomfort by stating, “More than 70% of elderly cats suffer from arthritis or pain, yet only 2% obtain medical care at a hospital.”
Professor Edamura explained, “We use [the app] as an instrument to help owners recognize whether their cat’s situation is normal.”
The AI app, named CatsMe!, has attracted over 230,000 users in Japan since its launch.
The collection of cat photos implemented in training the AI to discern when a cat is in pain. Pic: Reuters
Mayumi Kitakata from Tokyo, who cares for her 14-year-old cat named Chi, uses the app daily to interpret his facial cues.
“Given his age, it’s crucial to be mindful of diseases that can emerge,” Ms. Kitakata said, adding, “So the ability to monitor his health while minimizing hospital visits is vital for both of us.”
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Pets, particularly cats, have a significant presence in Japanese households, with the Japan Pet Food Association reporting nearly 16 million pet cats and dogs, outnumbering children under 15 in the nation.
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The AI tool developed by Careology in collaboration with Nihon University researchers is a significant step forward in pet healthcare technology.
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FAQs About AI-Powered Pain Detection in Cats
Q: How does the AI detect if a cat is in pain?
A: The AI analyzes the facial expressions of cats using a database of images to determine signs of pain, with an accuracy rate of over 95%.
Q: Who developed the CatsMe! app?
A: CatsMe! was developed by Careology and researchers at Nihon University in Japan.
Q: Is the app available outside of Japan?
A: There is no information provided in the original article regarding the availability of the app outside of Japan.
Q: Can anyone use the app?
A: While primarily geared towards cat owners, anyone can use the app to check for signs of pain in cats.
Q: What was the motivation behind creating this AI app?
A: The app was created to help cat owners recognize if their feline companions are in pain, especially since many ailments are often undetected and untreated.
