Cats are masters of disguise—especially when it comes to their health. For centuries, their ability to hide pain and illness has been a survival tactic, but in today’s world, it often leads to late diagnoses and missed opportunities for early care. This unique feline trait has contributed to a persistent challenge in veterinary medicine: under-medicalization of cats.
The Hidden Challenge in Cat Healthcare
Despite there being an estimated 74 million pet cats in the US, only about 40% receive annual veterinary care, compared to 82% of dogs. This gap isn’t just about access or owner hesitation—it’s deeply rooted in feline biology. Cats instinctively mask signs of vulnerability, making it tough for even the most attentive caregivers to spot when something’s wrong.
The result? Subtle symptoms like a slight decline in jumping, changes in sleep or play, altered eating habits, or reduced grooming often go unnoticed. These small shifts can be early indicators of serious health issues, but they’re easy to miss—especially in the stressful environment of a vet clinic, where cats are even more likely to hide discomfort.
How AI is Changing the Game
Enter artificial intelligence. By leveraging AI-powered tools, veterinarians and caregivers can now observe cats in their natural, stress-free environments. These technologies are designed to pick up on the subtle behavioral changes that cats use to communicate discomfort or illness—changes that humans might overlook.
One standout innovation is the Moggie wearable, a device that tracks core feline behaviors like walking, jumping, resting, grooming, and play. Using AI, Moggie establishes a baseline for each cat and flags deviations that could signal early illness or pain. The best part? It’s passive and non-invasive, allowing for continuous monitoring without disrupting a cat’s routine.
Early results from clinics and caregivers using AI-driven tools are promising. For example, a decrease in jumping has helped flag early-stage arthritis, while fragmented sleep patterns have pointed to hyperthyroidism. Reduced grooming has even revealed underlying dental pain. These insights don’t replace regular vet visits, but they do provide valuable context between appointments, helping caregivers and veterinarians make more informed decisions.
Actionable Tips for Cat Owners
- Pay attention to subtle changes: Even small shifts in your cat’s behavior can be meaningful. Don’t ignore them.
- Consider AI-powered wearables: Devices like Moggie can help you monitor your cat’s health more closely and catch issues early.
- Maintain regular vet visits: Use insights from AI tools to inform your vet and ensure your cat gets the best possible care.
- Communicate with your veterinarian: Share any data or observations from AI tools to strengthen your partnership with your vet.
The Future of Feline Medicine
AI is helping bridge the gap between what cats instinctively hide and what caregivers need to know. By providing objective, continuous insights, these tools empower both owners and veterinarians to act sooner, manage chronic conditions more effectively, and ultimately improve the quality of life for our feline friends.
Key Takeaways:
- Cats naturally hide signs of illness, making early detection challenging.
- AI-powered tools can identify subtle behavioral changes that signal health issues.
- Wearable devices like Moggie offer continuous, non-invasive monitoring.
- AI insights complement, not replace, regular veterinary care.
- Proactive use of technology can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes for cats.