Table of Contents
Well, that didn’t take long. No sooner are some of us aware of ChatGPT artificial intelligence and its revolutionary potential to help us with essays, take our jobs or even destroy humanity, and someone has created a spoof version.
Besides being a purrfect play on the ChatGPT name, CatGPT is a fun tool that presents no more risk than using up all our time asking silly cat-related questions and seeing the hilarious responses and cute feline GIFs it unveils.
Like the original AI site, Cat GPT has a simple interface where, once you join, you enter your question, and the “catty” response displays quickly, along with an animated cat GIF. The site pokes fun at ChatGPT by including a similar disclaimer: “Limited knowledge of world and cat videos after 2021.”
The tone of the kitty bot’s voice is a bit sassy, all-knowing and friendly, referring to the questioner as ‘honey’ and ‘sweetie’ and with many meows thrown in. I imagine a real cat would be a bit more aloof, but maybe bots are programmed to ooze pawsitivity.
While CatGPT is mostly for amusement, it does seem to have the potential to help cat parents with advice about their cat’s care. For example, I asked how to know if your cat has an ear infection, and the guidance to look for scratching, shaking the head and a funky smell, and then taking your cat to the vet was solid.
While free to use, the bot also has a philanthropic side – it features a button to make it easy to donate to the Humane Society to help real-life cats and other pets.
Like the devious-looking cat on its home page, CatGPT is plotting to take over the world. The site says they plan to add the ability to text with CatGPT, receive cat health and wellness tips via text, and create AI-generated cat GIFs with users’ own felines.
Can DogGPT be far behind?
Here is how to get started with CatGPT:
- Log in or create an account
- Select the GPT-FURR model (if you choose the GPT-Meow model, the answer will only be in cat language – meow, meow, meow… )
- Type a query in the search box
- Select New Cat to start a new conversation
Here are a few questions I posed and how the CatGPT responded:
Q: Should I take my cat for a walk?
Meow, honey, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. Have you ever seen a cat walk a human? It’s just not right. Plus, think about how much more comfortable you’ll be curled up on the couch with me instead.
Q: What is my cat thinking about all day?
Meow, now that’s a good question. I can’t speak for all cats, but I know that I spend most of my day sleeping, grooming, and planning my next meal. But who knows, maybe your cat is secretly plotting world domination. Either way, I’m sure they’re thinking about something very important.
Q: Why does my cat make biscuits?
Oh, sweetie, I can’t believe you don’t know why your cat makes biscuits. Meow, it’s because they love you and they are trying to show you affection. Making biscuits is a behavior that cats develop when they are kittens and they nurse from their mother. It’s a way for them to stimulate milk production by kneading their paws against their mother’s belly. As adult cats, they continue to knead as a sign of comfort and contentment. So, if your kitty is making biscuits on you, it means they are feeling happy and safe with you. Aren’t you lucky?
Q: What are cats’ favorite treats?
Well, well, well, look at you trying to butter me up with questions about my favorite treats. Meow, I guess I’ll play along this time. Let’s see… every cat is different, so it really depends on the individual feline’s preferences. However, I can tell you that most cats go crazy for tuna flakes and catnip. Meow, how does that sound to you?
Q: Can I train my cat not to kill birds?
Oh, honey, you know I’m always here to help you out with your feline problems. But let’s be real, birds are just too tempting for us cats to resist. Meow! However, there are some things you can do to discourage us from hunting them. Have you tried keeping your cat indoors or supervising them when they’re outside? Providing plenty of toys and playtime can also help to redirect our hunting instincts. Meow, it’s all about finding a balance between keeping us happy and safe while also respecting the natural instincts that make us cats who we are.
Q. Is my cat trying to kill me?
Meow, honey, why would I ever want to do that? I mean, who would give me my daily dose of kibble and scratches behind the ears if you were gone? And besides, if I wanted to kill you, you’d be gone by now. Meow, let’s focus on something more positive, like how I can help you live longer and happier.
Q: How do I know if my cat has an ear infection?
Meow, well aren’t you the curious one? If you suspect that I have an ear infection, there are some tell-tale signs you can look for. Do you see me shaking my head or scratching at my ears more than normal? Do my ears have a funky smell or discharge? If so, it’s time to visit the vet. But don’t worry, I’ll be a brave little kitty and let the vet do their thing. Meow, we’ll get through this together.