do you think this would be a therapeutically useful product?

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(clicky)do you think this thing would be a therapeutically useful thing to some of us on the spectrum?

seriously, I think they need to reimagine it a bit, as a product it is IMHO insufficiently well-thought-out. first of all, IT NEEDS TO PURR!! it also needs animatronic "muscles" underneath that shaggy fur which respond realistically to a stroking hand.

I'll use VR when I've given up on my sanity.

I'm not sure.
I think it would be almost as difficult for me to deal with as a dog. Leave me feeling guilty, inadequate.
I think I'd rather have ice cream. And nearly wild chickens.

I'm all about the real deal... I mean, it can be overwhelming, but my dog forces me to go out at regular intervals and enjoy living in the moment on those days I'd rather get sucked into a project. He's also super sweet and doesn't try to small talk.

That said, I'm sure it could help someone who can't have a pet. People cuddle pillows for comfort; this is an upgrade.

^^^hiya Sahh welcome to WP

I suppose so for some. I have a hug pillow with furry wooly fleece. But the cat ball seems kinda weird to me.

I think one critical detail would be that it's likely a Room Temperature pet. One very relaxing thing you can do especially with a cat is let it sit on top of you while laying down. You can pet it, the cat will purr, and also you'd feel it's warmth on you.

If I had this product in my sometimes chilly apartment and it felt cold as well, it would be kind of a bummer or feel like a partly re-animated cat. I'd fall asleep to thoughts of Herbert West running a new pet store.

that is a good point, heat should be one of its functions, but then you run into the problem of the power supply, it will take beefier batteries that likely won't last long between recharges. also the tail is fraught with problems as it will likely be the first thing to wear out or be damaged somehow. both are fixable with some imagination. the heater could work in conjunction with a heat-trapping fabric layer on the bottom and top, thus saving battery power.

No, not for me at any rate. Initially it might be a cool gadget (although I have a feeling it might not last for long) but not therapeutic. There is just no comparison when you have had a real, beloved pet.

I would prefer hugging my dear old plushies that I have a history with to that product.

I've heard that such things apparently can help some people with dementia feel better though, and I'm all for this product to all those it might actually help.

I think this concept could be merged with a Roomba making a 'Pet' that could also roam the house cleaning the floor for you.

After cleaning the floor, it could park itself on the charger for it's 'Cat Nap' with tail flicking while it sleeps.

^^^that's a danged good idea!