The Joy For All cats are sold under the slogan, ‘Why should kids have all the fun?’, and are marketed as a relaxation device, designed to make users feel happier and less alone upon hearing the mewing of the cat’s response to their touch. Created by the producers of My Little Pony and Transformers, the cat toys do not requiring feeding or bathroom breaks, and react to affection.
“Joy for All” pets are robotic cats that “look, feel, and sound like real cats,” Hasbro claims on its website, which allows customers to choose from one of three varietals, orange tabby, silver, and creamy white. Noting that these pretend pets are “so much more than soft fur, soothing purrs, and pleasant meows,” the toy company claims that the robots “respond to petting, hugging, and motion much like the cats you know and love. This two-way give-and-take helps create a personally rich experience that can bring fun, joy, and friendship to you and your loved ones ages 5 to 105.”
Hasbro is pushing the idea that owners won’t need to bend over to empty the litter tray, and the Joy For All’s synthetic fur won’t cause any allergic reactions. It is packed with new vibration technology that enables the toy to react in ways that are very realistic. The robotic cats purr and move their heads in the direction of any touch, as if to demand more affection. If the owner continuously pets the cat’s back, it will even roll over so it can receive a belly rub. Battery powered, when the cat is left alone for a few minutes, it will automatically close its eyes and fall asleep to preserve its battery life for as long as possible.
The cat toys marks Hasbro’s first product launch aimed solely at the elderly. The US toy giant said its inspiration to develop the product came from feedback that showed older people were already using a number of the toy line’s products. Hasbro then carried out research with carers and care workers all across the US to refine the design. “We heard from seniors across the country that companionship was important to their happiness,” said Ted Fischer, vice president of business development at Hasbro. “While it’s not a replacement for a pet, the Joy For All Companion Pet cat is a life-like alternative that can provide the joy and companionship of owning a real pet, without the often cumbersome responsibilities.” Hasbro’s foray into the robotic animal market designed to give comfort to the elderly is not the first product to hit the market. In 2001, PARO, a therapeutic robot baby harp seal, was launched in Japan, and is now classified as a medical device used by people living with dementia is hospitals and care homes.
Companionship has long been heralded as a defense against dementia, and pets are often prescribed as therapy treatment for older individuals. Robot pets have even made their way into pop culture, with Aziz Ansari’s hit Netflix show, “Master of None,” featuring a robotic seal that helps a character’s grandfather make it through the day.“We believe that the power of play can bring joy to people at all stages of life, and we’ve heard from our friends, fans, and consumers that some of our toys and games are especially appealing to seniors and enhance meaningful interactions with their loved ones,” Hasbro says on its website.
The robotic cat even comes with an instruction guide that teaches you how to make the most of your pet experience. This furry friend seems like the ideal Christmas gift for that lonely someone in your life.
For more information please visit: www.hasbro.com
