Cheryl Yates gave her father, Robert Wyatt, a robotic cat in his final weeks. Robert, who had dementia, named the cat Buddy and believed it was real.
“He was so happy to have a kitty again,” his daughter said. “This cat gave him so much comfort and joy.”
Stories like this highlight the profound emotional benefits that pets – real or robotic – can offer.
Even better news: pets are not just companions for patients nearing their final days but have been shown to lower the risk of developing dementia.
Despite the documented charms of Buddy the robot cat, it seems real dogs rule.