Let’s face it, kids love pets, however it’s a sad fact that many pets that started out as Christmas presents end up in animal shelters, abandoned by their owners.
So while it isn’t always possible to give a child the pet they desire, toy pets can often help fulfill that desire to care for a pet. many stuffed animals end up as constant companions to toddlers and are great for cuddling and snuggling up to, however, they aren’t very engaging otherwise. They may last as a favourite for a few years, but usually end up as a decoration on a bed or shelf.
FurReal Friends
FurReal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty is toy makers Hasbro’s attempt to add an additional level of play to the standard plush or stuffed toy, by adding animatronics and sound. Lulu follows in the paw prints of the Hasbro’s hugely popular line of animated animals, which began with the Butterscotch pony in 2006, a virtually real pony that girls can love and care for, and which became one of the biggest hits of the holiday season. Since then, the animated pet line has been expanded to include FurReal dogs and FurReal birds as well as FurReal cats. As the newest member of the FURREAL FRIENDS family, LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY is a fun-loving feline that preens, cuddles, and meows just like an actual kitty, making her the most realistic cat to join the brand.
Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty is a white and orange marmalade colored animatronic plush cat (see more pictures here), and while it isn’t fully robotic or completely interactive, it does have several different actions that will engage a child and encourage their mothering spirit.
Animatronics
Since Lulu isn’t fully robotic, she cannot or walk stand up, but remains on a couch or bed or wherever she is placed. Lulu lies in a reclining position and while somewhat fixed in her body position, still retains some flexibility. Most people think that this immobility doesn’t detract from the toy but actually adds to the authenticity of this toy and makes Lulu even more like a real cat.
Lulu has very soft, long fur for petting and stroking and her shiny green eyes are very realistic. She may shed a bit of fur, which again adds to the realism, but it is not known to cause any allergic reactions.
Movements and Reactions
When no one is playing with her, Lulu appears to be sleeping, but will open her eyes once she is stroked on the back and will close them again when she’s no longer in use. Lulu can also move her head when she’s receiving attention and will occasionally lift her paw to “lick” it, simulating feline grooming. She will also roll onto her back after a few moments of petting so that you can rub her tummy. Lulu also purrs and meows, just like a real cat – click here for videos of Lulu.
FurReal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty comes with a comb for grooming her fur plus an adoption certificate to complete the pet ownership fantasy.