AI used to find lost cats in Kazakhstan

A project called “Kiss-Kiss, Come Home” is operating in Kazakhstan to help locate lost cats using artificial intelligence, GPS technology and cameras. The search effort even involves specially equipped “scout” cats, El.kz reports.

Volunteer cats go for walks equipped with a camera and a GPS tracker. The device records animals encountered along the way, after which an AI system compares their images against a database of missing pets. If the system detects a match, the owner receives a notification via the GdeKotBotTelegram bot, including the coordinates of the location where the cat was spotted.

The service was initially developed to allow members of the public to submit photographs of animals they had found or encountered. The search effort has now been expanded to include “scout” cats, which can access areas that are more difficult for people to reach.

According to the project organizers, nearly 30,000 users have already joined the initiative, and more than 400 cats have been located with its assistance. In addition, the system monitors the database of missing animals in real time. When a new missing pet is added to the database, its photograph is displayed on advertising screens in the same area.

The approach is based on the project’s data indicating that most cats rarely stray more than 500–800 metres from their homes. Photographs of missing pets are also placed on pet food packaging to increase the likelihood of their being identified and found.