OREANDA-NEWS  The Canadian firm Sylvester.ai has released an app called Tably which uses artificial intelligence to determine how cats feel. 

The firm is based in Calgary and develops technologies for animal health. Artificial intelligence monitors eye movements, head position, ear tilt, muzzle and whisker muscle tension to detect distress. The app can also ask additional questions to give a more accurate result.

"Our app helps people to know if a cat feels pain or does not. We were able to train the AI ​​using machine learning and a series of images", - said Mish Priest, the project manager for Sylvester.ai. "The software uses facial recognition technology. All you need to do is take a photo with your camera and then get the result".

The developers "trained" artificial intelligence at the Wild Rose veterinary clinic in Calgary. The algorithm was developed by studying the facial expressions of real cats. According to Dr. Liz Ruell, the app can help young veterinarians understand patients better and faster.

Alice Potter of the British animal charity RSPCA told Reuters that one face is not enough to determine the condition of a cat - it is necessary to assess the entire body, including the tail.

"Cats that are worried or scared will hold this tail very tightly and tensely. And besides that, there is also just thinking about their behavior in terms of whether they eat, drink, go to the toilet, sleep as usual?".