PRECIOUS PETS

Could this be the Purrfect Cat?

by Georgie Damschroder

By now, many of us have seen the famed “robo dogs” surfacing online. These metallic pooches have been programmed to behave just like living, breathing dogs, some knowing how to roll over or perform other common tricks. But sometimes these robodogs are used differently. For instance, in response to the pandemic of 2020, Singapore enlisted the help of robodogs to keep new social distancing protocols in place, who would navigate their way through public areas and play a recorded message asking for citizens to stay a meter apart. These dogs, collectively known as Spot, are assigned other important tasks as well, such as collecting info on ancient ruins that are too dangerous for humans to explore. And once their hard work is done, they can have a little fun by being programmed to dance. Spot are currently being trained to further help the world in any way they can!

One of the ways we have found mechanical animals help the world is simply by providing their companionship and therapy. Jingles is a grey and white mechanical cat that the O’Neils took home in 2021 just for this reason.

In 2016, Mr. O’Neil suffered a stroke, and Mrs. O’Neil, ready to help her husband recover, attended a stroke clinic. The clinic told her about different ways to help Mr. O’Neil with his recovery, with one of the options being to adopt a robotic cat. Since Mr. O’Neil could no longer care for the real cats that he loved so much, the couple welcomed Jingles into their home, who would indeed become the exact kind of pet they needed.

Jingles is equipped with sensors, which help him to detect when he is being handled and respond accordingly. Just like any other cat, Jingles will meow at his people and purr when he’s pet. He will turn his head to look around, stand up, blink, and even roll over on his back for belly rubs!

“(He’s) much like the real ones, but doesn’t require any special care or feeding or vet bills to worry about!” Mrs. O’Neil says.

Jingles also feels just like a cat, with soft gray fur that makes it enjoyable to pet and cuddle with him. In fact, Jingles is lifelike enough to fool even a family dog, who began to bark and shy away when he first met Jingles!

Jingles’ ability to react to the love and attention his folks give him allows Mr. O’Neil to experience joy, friendship, and comfort without the stress of a living cat. No litter boxes, shredded furniture, or sharp claws for this family! They also note that Jingles travels exceptionally well.

The O’Neil family consists of Jingles and Mrs. and Mr. O’Neil, who reside together at Sheffield Rise in Shawnee. Though Jingles may not be your average cat, he is appreciated and loved all the same while he continues to help his family with cuddles and purrs!