Hasbro has created a new ‘elder companion’ line of robotic cats which are designed to make seniors feel loved without the mess of a litter box.
The ‘Joy for All’ series of faux felines comes in three colors, including “creamy white cat,'” for $100 (batteries included!). The toy responds to human touch and features a vibrating purr feature and “cat-like movements and sounds.”
If the testimonials are any indication, the generation that couldn’t quite figure out the Teddy Ruxpin bear is really taking to these.
“When [my mom] started petting that cat, [she] said that it felt like love. That just touched my heart, because she’s so full of love, and it’s nice that she can have some in her life,” said “Phyllis F,” who was given a free pet by Hasbro.
Other product testers believe the toy served as a nice icebreaker with small children in those families who are considering adopting a first actual kitty.
This kind of fur-friend might also be perfect for seniors who are unable to care for a real pet because of physical limitations. Some may have allergies to real kitties and then there are those, too, who live in facilities where pets are not allowed.
If you do spring for one, just be sure to pencil in that phone call with gram to walk through the eventual battery replacement.
Watch this Youtube video to learn more about these cats!