Research & References

The Science Behind Our Technology

Helpurr's pain detection feature is part of our mission to help cat owners recognize potential signs of discomfort earlier. Cats often mask pain, and veterinary research shows that subtle facial changes can provide important clues.

How Our AI Works

Our system is informed by veterinary research on feline pain but does not directly implement clinical scales or methods. Instead, Helpurr uses our proprietary AI model trained on cat images to provide results in three levels: low, medium, or high pain likelihood. These results are experimental and provided as a research preview — not a veterinary diagnosis.

What the Results Mean

Low

No obvious signs of discomfort detected. Your cat appears comfortable, but continue regular observation.

Medium

Some signs suggest your cat might be uncomfortable. Monitor closely and consider seeking veterinary advice if the behavior continues.

High

Stronger signs suggest possible pain. We recommend scheduling a veterinary consultation within the next few days.

Why Facial Expressions?

Cats are experts at hiding pain. Veterinary research shows that subtle changes in facial features — such as ears, eyes, muzzle, and whiskers — can be useful indicators. Helpurr's model helps highlight these signals so you can notice them earlier.

Responsible Use

This feature is designed as an educational tool to support your own observations. It cannot diagnose illness or replace professional veterinary care. If you are concerned about your cat's health, always consult a qualified veterinarian.

References

Facial expressions of pain in cats: the development and validation of a Feline Grimace Scale
Evangelista, M. C., Watanabe, R., Leung, V. S. Y., Monteiro, B. P., O'Toole, E., Pang, D. S. J., & Steagall, P. V.
Scientific Reports, 9(1), 19128 (2019)
Explainable automated pain recognition in cats
Feighelstein, M., Henze, L., Meller, S., Shimshoni, I., Hermoni, B., Berko, M., Twele, F., Schütter, A., Dorn, N., Kästner, S., Finka, L., Luna, S. P. L., Mills, D. S., Volk, H. A., & Zamansky, A.
Scientific Reports, 13(1), 8973 (2023)
Automated recognition of pain in cats
Feighelstein, M., Shimshoni, I., Finka, L. R., Luna, S. P. L., Mills, D. S., & Zamansky, A.
Scientific Reports, 12(1), 9575 (2022)
Geometric morphometrics for the study of facial expressions in non-human animals, using the domestic cat as an exemplar
Finka, L. R., Luna, S. P., Brondani, J. T., Tzimiropoulos, Y., McDonagh, J., Farnworth, M. J., Ruta, M., & Mills, D. S.
Scientific Reports, 9(1), 9883 (2019)

Reminder: This tool cannot diagnose illness or replace veterinary care. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for concerns about your cat's health.