Robot cats bring comfort to people with dementia

Robotic pets are "helping to improve wellbeing" at a day care centre for people, including those diagnosed with dementia.

The robotic cats - Misty, Phyllis and Ginge - mimic the behaviour of normal cats as they purr, meow and move their limbs.

They are given to people who use the facility in Leyland, Lancashire, to help them relax and to spark conversations.

Care assistant, Tanya Ambrose, said: "If people are getting anxious then we ask if they would like a cat and the next thing they're stroking it and you can just see them relaxing, so it does make a big difference to some people."

"It's nice, it's very therapeutic," she said.

"One gentleman loves them and is so serene when he has one of the cats. He will have a quiet 10 minutes sat with the cat and you can see him relaxed, it's lovely."

Service user Olive Wells said she has found it relaxing to have a robotic cat on her knee.

"I come in, sit down and I get a cat and I feel more secure because I've got somebody to talk to," she said.

"I've got used to them now and I quite like them."

Councillor Tom Pickup, cabinet member for adult social care, said robotic pets can have a "significant impact" on people in care homes.

"They are helping to improve wellbeing, create meaningful connections for people and bring moments of joy," he said.

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