Regardless of how many years we spend on this planet, there’s nothing quite like the joy animals bring into our lives. When we venture away from home, whether for school or work, our hearts ache for the furry companions we’ve left behind. The mere presence of a therapy animal has the magical ability to instantly lift people’s spirits and ease stress, no matter their age.
It’s a universal truth that when an animal enters a room, people’s faces light up with delight. It’s almost as if a barrier is lifted, allowing everyone to unwind and connect on a deeper level. The weight of stress fades away, bringing much-needed relief. From bustling offices to ships out at sea, the positive impact of animals on morale is immeasurable.
One heartwarming trend we’re seeing is retirement and assisted living communities partnering with animal rescues. Residents are positively beaming as they assist in socializing kittens in need of loving homes. In the UK, there’s a unique story of residents bonding with a cat that may look a bit different but shares a beloved name – Marmalade.
Imagine our surprise when we learned that residents in the UK were spending time with an animatronic cat named Marmalade! This robotic feline may not be like our lively Marmalade or any real cat, but it’s bringing just as much joy and companionship to those who interact with it.
Check out the pictures on
YouTube
This cat is designed to mimic a real cat with advanced technology that replicates its movements, sounds, and even a gentle purr with vibrations. The built-in sensors can detect movement and touch.
Images from: YouTube
Despite being robots, Marmalades are a great companion for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s who are unable to care for pets. The soothing presence of these robots brings them therapy and a sense of calm. Created to bring comfort to those with dementia, Marmalade reacts to touch, hugs, and movement just like a real cat would. It uses sensors and VibaPurr technology to mimic a real cat’s purr with sound and vibration, as reported by Caring Times.
Richard Doninson, the lively activities coordinator at Riverside House Care Home in Morpeth, shared a light-hearted moment with residents as they interacted with an animatronic cat named ‘Marmalade’ in a heartwarming video on YouTube. Doninson humorously mentioned the “bonus” of not having to worry about feeding the robotic feline, although it can never replace the real joy of pet therapy.
Residents enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with Marmalade, finding comfort and companionship in its lifelike features. They were able to visit and engage with the animatronic cat independently, without any time constraints, making it a convenient and enjoyable activity. The best part? No vet bills to worry about!
As one resident expressed, the love and care they showed towards Marmalade reflected the kindness and warmth they have within them. It was a delightful experience for everyone involved.
Two new furry friends have made their way into the hearts of residents at a care home, where they have been a huge hit. Following the success of the first animatronic cat, lovingly named Marmalade, another resident decided to get one for themselves, introducing Marmalade 2 to the mix. The care home is now considering bringing in even more animatronic animals for the residents to interact with and enjoy. It’s safe to say that these furry companions have found a forever home with the residents!
The animatronic Marmalades are proving to be a source of comfort for those experiencing depression and anxiety. Furthermore, many individuals are reminiscing about their beloved childhood pets, which in turn boosts their mood and sets a positive tone for the entire day.
Believe it or not, a robotic cat has the ability to do some incredible things that can truly brighten up a home and bring joy to people’s lives.
Animating Cats in the US
The advancement in technology has also benefitted people in the United States. An animatronic cat made a special appearance at an assisted living community in Roanoke, Virginia, four years ago. The visit was a huge hit and brought joy to the kids who worked hard to raise funds to bring it there.
Online, we can find similar animatronic companion cats priced between $99 to $130, depending on the brand and features. While they may never replace a real pet like Marmalade, these robotic cats bring smiles to the residents’ faces. And that is truly invaluable!