Understanding Cat Behavior Through Artificial Intelligence

Cats are among the most popular pets worldwide, yet their behaviors and illnesses often remain a mystery to their owners. In recent years, Nestlé Purina has developed a new technology that utilizes artificial intelligence to monitor cat behavior in litter boxes, aiming to improve the health of these pets and detect diseases early.

The Role of the Litter Box in Cat Behavior

For cat owners, a litter box might seem like a mere inconvenience, but for scientists, it represents a treasure trove of information. A team of researchers at Nestlé Purina has studied litter boxes as behavior records, building a comprehensive dictionary of the movements cats make while using them, such as digging, sniffing, and cleaning.

Researchers identified 39 different behaviors that cats exhibit in litter boxes. These behaviors can change depending on the cat’s satisfaction with its environment. The researchers realized that this dictionary could provide insights into cat health, serving as an indicator of common diseases like diabetes and kidney disorders.

Using Artificial Intelligence for Monitoring

The AI system was trained to monitor everything cats do in the litter box. The goal is to predict diseases before obvious symptoms appear, as cats often hide signs of illness. This study began in 2018, collecting data from 191 cats.

The team used sensors embedded in the corners of litter boxes to measure changes in weight and movement. Each bathroom visit was recorded on video, allowing the AI to correlate visual data with sensor-recorded changes, helping to build a reliable database.

Challenges and Project Development

Identifying 39 types of behaviors was not easy. The scientific team had to watch and analyze over 300,000 videos of cats in various situations and scenarios. Mathematical equations were developed to help distinguish different behaviors.

The “Petivity Smart Litter Box Monitor” was launched in 2022 and is now used in over 10,000 homes. This device is designed to alert cat owners when measurements match patterns associated with certain diseases.

Conclusion

The Nestlé Purina team has made significant strides in understanding cat behavior and improving their health through artificial intelligence. Despite some limitations and challenges, such as distinguishing between cats of similar weight, ongoing improvements in AI technology promise more accurate future solutions. This innovation is a living example of how technology can play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of pets and their owners alike.