On February 22, 2025, the world will once again celebrate Cat Day, and this year, the festivities are extra special with the official launch of the AI-powered Catlog app. This innovative application aims to revolutionize pet care by providing insightful data about cats' behavior and health conditions, leveraging advanced AI technology to support pet owners across the globe.
BS TV Tokyo, as part of its annual tradition, will transform its network branding to “BS Cat East” for the entire day, offering non-stop cat-themed programming from morning until night, ensuring the spotlight is firmly on our feline friends. The programming will include the much-anticipated “Cute Cat Grand Prix,” where viewers will get to see and celebrate the cutest cats, chosen from over 450 submissions. Categories will abound, showcasing the most playful, calming, and even the most unexpected cat moments, ensuring endless entertainment for cat lovers.
Notable celebrities will grace the event, serving as host and judges. Actor Akira Nakao, who shares his life with two cats, will co-host alongside the popular cat aficionado Atsuko Maeda. They will be joined by guests such as Yuriko Ishida, who grew up surrounded by cats, and Shingo Fujimori from the comedy duo Oriental Radio, who began cohabitating with cats after getting married. The presence of real cats at the studio during the judging process is sure to add to the charm.
The excitement isn't contained to media coverage alone. RABO, the company behind the Catlog app, recently announced significant strides on Cat Day, solidifying their position within the pet-tech market. The company confirmed its collaboration with Moon Creative Ventures, which is part of Mitsui & Co., to develop a canine counterpart to the Catlog—a new project aimed at dog owners. This expansion reflects RABO's vision of creating comprehensive solutions for pet owners, encouraging them to monitor their pets' health and activities more effectively.
RABO has achieved remarkable success with its latest funding round, raising ¥800 million to develop both the Catlog app and its dog version. With this funding, the total capital raised amounts to ¥3 billion, marking RABO as one of the largest pet-tech startups in Japan. The company’s representative, Yuki Iyo, expressed their ambition for channeling their acquired expertise to benefit dogs alongside cats. "Our goal is to create solutions to help keep all our 'family members'—not only cats but also other beloved animals—healthy and happy," stated Iyo.
Koji Takeda of Moon Creative Ventures expressed his excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the transformative potential for both companies. Early adopters of the Catlog app have already experimented with colocated devices for their pets, and detailed behavioral data can now be easily accessed. The app automatically analyzes how cats behave, detect signs of illness, and even help pet owners decide on health visits when necessary—essentially making pet care simpler and more informed.
To promote the new dog version of Catlog, RABO is actively recruiting dog owners who wish to participate in feedback sessions. By outfitting their dogs with special collars and allowing their pets to continue their daily lives, owners can contribute valuable data, enhancing the development of the app. For updates on this initiative and to see behind-the-scenes progress, RABO has established the “Catlog Dog Version Preparation Room” on X (formerly Twitter) at @Catlog4Dogs.
The intertwining of entertainment and technological advancement on Cat Day 2025 promises to engage audiences and pet owners alike. With innovative projects from RABO paired with lively media coverage by BS TV Tokyo, this year's celebration is set to be memorable for all cat enthusiasts. The day serves not just as a recognition of cats but also as a beacon for technological progress aimed at improving the quality of life for pets and their owners.
Overall, as media coverage sweeps the nation, and new tech finds its way to pet care, Cat Day will not only be about celebrating cats but also about embracing future advancements. With the AI Catlog app leading the charge, pet owners will gain new insights, fostering healthier and happier relationships with their feline friends.