With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), some clever cats are creating self-portraits. The striking artwork accompanies the cats to their new homes upon adoption from an Atlanta-area rescue organization.
Cats create AI self-portraits using paw strokes
Many of us are familiar with the mischievous game cats like to play, paws teetering across keyboards while we attempt to work. While most of us may find this an inconvenience, a no-kill rescue used this curiosity to help shelter cats put their best paw forward.
The results are extraordinary.
The Best Friends Animal Society markets this creative collaboration as way to help feline friends find fur-ever families. With the help of AI, the no-kill shelter staff used the certain charm of cats to create a portfolio of stunning feline portraits. Edits to the work are made from the cats’ clever additions on the keyboard.
Best Friends entered the cats’ keystrokes into an AI algorithm, along with a photo of the cat. One cat named Rudy entered a distinctive “;lol,k.” A unique cat self-portrait is the end product.
“It’s such a great opportunity to work with something fun like this,” said Erica Chandler, the shelter partnerships coordinator. “It just intrigues adopters.”
Atlanta News First spoke with Chandler regarding the unique displays of art. The Marietta rescue organization uses these vibrant portraits as an additional incentive to bring attention to the many cats looking for homes.
“Not only are you taking home a wonderful kitten or cat, but you’re also taking home a true artist,” Chandler said.
One cat named Frog created their portrait by using the keystrokes “aqJUYJ 32U8YTUP0-=[]\4 ‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’-=[;” In the portrait, Frog looks like a mythical warrior cat.
Another image by a longhaired Orange Tabby named Shelly generated the fluffy feline immersed in a dazzling, sun-soaked floral landscape. Shelly’s paw strokes used “Res;002FKKKKKKKK xd X ED” for inspiration.
The organization created a Pinterest board featuring the feline portraits. Interested adopters can find the corresponding adoption profile through the rescue’s website.
Artwork draws attention to most vulnerable shelter animals
Cats are the most vulnerable group of animals housed in shelters. Heartbreaking data shows cats made up 55% of the animals euthanized last year. According to the organization, over 378,000 dogs and cats were killed last year in American shelters. Best Friends works to end the deaths of dogs and cats in shelters by 2025. Although the goal is ambitious, the shelter works tirelessly to ensure the well-being of animals.
Cat adoptions are free through the end of the month thanks to a generous donation from Whisker, the company that makes Litter-Robot.
You can check out adoptable cats here.
