TOKYO (ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES) – As artificial intelligence (AI) continues revolutionising healthcare, cats are reaping the benefits of advanced technology.
Tokyo-based startups are prioritising feline health, leveraging AI for innovative solutions, as reported by Nikkei Asia.
One such company, Rabo, specialises in pet technology, offering a smart collar that enables owners to monitor their cats’ activities. The Catlog collar tracks routines, appetite, behaviour, and utilises AI to provide health analyses, alerting owners to potential issues.
CEO Yukiko Iyo emphasises Rabo’s mission to prolong the companionship between cats and owners, especially as Japan’s feline population, like its human counterpart, ages.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Environment, cats are enjoying longer lives, with the average lifespan hitting a record 15.79 years in 2023 – roughly equivalent to 79 in human years. However, detecting health issues in cats can be challenging, given their tendency to conceal discomfort.
Tech firm Carelogy addresses this challenge with an app designed to detect signs of pain in cats, utilising AI to recognise five key indicators of discomfort.
Another innovative app, Tably, developed by Sylvester.ai in Canada, employs AI to assess feline pain through subtle facial expressions and behaviours.
Despite advancements, a survey by the Japan Pet Food Association revealed that many cat owners visit the vet infrequently, if at all.
Nonetheless, with approximately 9.06 million pet cats in Japan, the demand for advanced healthcare solutions continues to rise, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a surge in pet ownership, with cats being a popular choice due to their perceived low maintenance compared to dogs.
