Instant Alert: I tried the $99 robot cat, Hasbro's solution for lonely grandparents, and it was strangely comforting

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   I tried the $99 robot cat, Hasbro's solution for lonely grandparents, and it was strangely comforting by Alyson Shontell on Nov 29, 2015, 11:22 AM Advertisement Earlier this month, a robotic cat began to go viral on Twitter. 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. This month, Hasbro launched a new line of"Companion Pets," which it's positioning for older people who might feel lonely. Right now Hasbro only has cats, which cost $99.99 and are available on Hasbro's site, Joy for All, and on Amazon. You can buy one of three Companion Pet cats: Creamy White Cat, Silver Cat with White Mitts, and Orange Tabby Cat. On Friday evening I came home and the robotic cat was on my doorstep from Hasbro. Hasbro sent me the Orange Tabby Cat. See the rest of the story at Business Insider   Share the latest business news with your network: Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011