I can’t tell you how many cats I’ve rescued from homes where their senior owners passed away and the families were either unable or unwilling to deal with “Mom’s cats.” Worse, many seniors are forced to give up their beloved pets when they must move to assisted living or a nursing home. Sometimes this is required even when they move in with their children, who may not appreciate or have room for Mom’s cat.

Now there is a great option: robotic cats. No messy litter box. No trips to the vet. No pet food costs. No hair balls on the bed. And while it can be difficult to accept the fact that sometimes one’s memory can fail, it won’t harm the Robo Cat if it misses too many meals.

This is a cat you can truly “put on the shelf till you’re ready to play with it.” Real cats require regular and consistent care and attention, which often proves to be a major challenge to the very young as well as older folks.

Children have been playing with stuffed toy cats and other animals for years. Now it’s Grandma’s and Grandpa’s turn!