Automaton

Photo: AudioCubes.com

I have many friends who have cats, and sometimes I feel left out of all that feline talk. Bad allergies prevent me from procuring a real cat, but maybe now there's a way I can join the cat-loving bunch.

Today's Times has a story on the AC Gears store that just opened in New York City (the store is the first bricks-and-mortar location of the famed online gadget shop AudioCubes.com), and one of the featured products is the Segatoys Dream Cat Smile Robot.

This Japanese robotic cat, powered by three C batteries, has five touch sensors and it can blink, move its mouth and neck, rear up, and lie down. It also purrs and meows, and if you squeeze the tail it will growl.

If you want one, you can visit AC Gears at 69 East 8th Street in New York, or go to their website: http://www.audiocubes.com/

Thanks, Nancy!