Hasbro introduces robo-kitties for seniors

With itsnew line of eerilylifelike robot cats, toy manufacturerHasbro is reaching out to a new demographic senior citizens.

According to the company website, thenew"Joy for all" lineis a series of robot pets (so far just cats)designed to "bring comfort, companionship and fun for your elder loved ones," without all the feeding and mess.

Aside from its four C batteries and lifeless gaze, the cats are pretty realistic, with faux felinefur that comes in "orange tabby," "silver," and "creamy white," and automated "cat-like" movements.

The fuzzy robots even purr and meow when you pet them, using built in sensors designed to respond to motion and touch. With a pat on the head, thecats will move toward your hand,nuzzle closerwith a pet to the left cheek,and roll over for a belly rub when you stroke its back.

To conserve battery life, the little guys go to sleep when you put them down.

If the thought of grandma stroking a doll-eyed robot cat sounds strange, consider the Tamagotchi,another automated pet that was enormously popular in the '90s albeit not with people in their 90s.

The cats are currently being sold on Amazon for $99US.