Business Insider/Alyson Shontell
I was skeptical of Robo Cat when he first arrived on my doorstep. But over a week, I've (slightly) changed my tune. And at least he's good for selfies.
The robot cat was Hasbro's latest toy. With the slogan "Why should kids have all the fun?" Hasbro is positioning the stuffed animal as a "companion pet" for the lonely and the elderly. Its website features the $99.99 feline purring and meowing in the hands of the retired, who take comfort in stroking it.
Publications were quick to bash Hasbro's cat, with headlines like "Nightmare Robot Cat Has Come For Your Grandma."
I've always loved animals and enjoyed the idea of pets, but not the idea of pets shedding, smelling, and defecating. So to me, a robotic cat that merely purred and let me snuggle it didn't sound half bad. I wasn't exactly the target market, but I reached out to Hasbro to see if I could test one anyhow.
Within 48 hours, a robotic cat arrived at my door. At this point I've tested him for a week in a number of different environments: at home, at friends' apartments, at work, at a bar, and even against another robot.
I gave him to two elderly women above the age of 85. Both agreed the cat was cute, and liked the idea of not having to take care of a traditional pet. But when asked if they'd want to receive this robotic cat for a gift they didn't reply with a high vote of confidence. "I wouldn't throw it away," one said.
While it's hard to imagine who exactly will buy and use Hasbro's robot cat, after spending a week with him I've concluded that the toy, while a little strange, but surprisingly lovable. I haven't given the cat an official name, I just call him "Robo Cat" or "Kitten." Maybe subconsciously I don't want to get too attached since I have to ship him back.
Here's what my week with a robotic cat has been like.