No matter how many years we spend on Earth, there’s nothing that brings us more joy than being with animals. When we first leave home for school, our pets are one of the things we miss the most. Just a few seconds with a therapy animal can bring people of all ages instant joy and stress relief.
Most folks’ eyes light up when an animal enters the room. It’s as if a wall comes down, and people can relax and open up. The stress melts away. It’s invaluable for morale, from busy offices to Battleships at sea!
We love seeing how retirement and assisted living communities are working with rescuers. Residents are always beaming with smiles while they help socialize kittens seeking adoptions. And here’s a story about residents in the UK who love interacting with a cat that’s a little different… but with a familiar name!
Animatronic Kitties Named Marmalade!
We were a little surprised when we discovered residents in the UK were spending time with a cat named Marmalade! But this kitty is not like our Marmalade or any living cat.
Images via YouTube
This kitty is animatronic with technology simulating a real cat’s responses, sounds, and even a soothing purr with vibrations. Built-in sensors respond to motion and touch.
Images via YouTube
Although a robot, these Marmalades are ideal for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, they can no longer care for pets. But to them, this robot’s soothing presence brings them important therapy and “a calming influence.”
“Designed to provide comfort to those living with dementia, Marmalade responds to petting, hugging and motion much like a real-life cat would thanks to a network of sensors and its VibaPurr technology which provides sound and vibration to replicate a real cat’s purr,” shared Caring Times.
Richard Doninson with residents of the Riverside House Care Home with an animatronic ‘Marmalade’ via YouTube
Richard Doninson, the busy activities coordinator at the Riverside House Care Home in Morpeth, jokes it’s a “bonus” that the cat’s doesn’t need food. Of course, it’s not a replacement for pet therapy, but it has elements of it. Another bonus is that residents can safely visit with these Marmalades on their own for as long as they like. And, of course, there’s never a vet bill.
“When you see the love they give and what they give the cat, it is lovely,” said one resident.
Two ‘Marmalades’ Joined the Residents!
According to the BBC, the kitty has been so popular that a resident purchased one of their own, called Marmalade 2. And the care home has plans to bring more animatronic animals for the residents to enjoy. You can imagine that some residents may never want to let go of their furry companions!
These animatronic Marmalades are relieving depression and anxiety. And many residents recall happy memories of their childhood pets. Triggering such happy memories can set the tone for the whole day.
So, even a robot cat can do ameowzing things, making people feel at home and so much happier.
Animatronic Cats in the United States
The same technology has been helping folks in our part of the world, too. Here’s an animatronic cat who visited an assisted living community in Roanoke, Virginia, four years ago. It was a big success and gave a great sense of satisfaction to the generous kids who sold toys to make it possible.
Online, we see that the cost for similar animatronic companion cats ranges from $99 to $130, depending on the brand and features. Of course, they’ll never come anywhere close to the real Marmalade. However, even a robot facsimile can brighten the day for these lovely residents. And, that’s priceless!
