Best Toys

It’s not always possible to give a child a real pet, but that won’t stop her from asking for one. Toys often help fulfill that innate desire to care for and nurture a small creature. Stuffed animals often become a constant companion for a little one, going everywhere the child goes. Traditional plush animals are great for comfort and snuggling, but they aren’t very engaging otherwise. A particular favorite may last for a few years but most end up taking up bed or shelf space without garnering much play time. Hasbro’s FurReal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty attempts to add another level of play to the standard plush toy with animatronics and sound. Lulu follows in the paw prints of the Hasbro’s hugely popular line of animals beginning with the introduction of Butterscotch the horse in 2006. Since then, the line has grown to include dogs and birds as well as cats.

Video Demo

Actions

Lulu is a white and orange marmalade colored plush cat with animatronic motion. While not fully robotic or completely interactive, she has several different actions to engage a child and encourage a mothering spirit. Lulu appears to be sleeping when no one is playing with her but she opens her eyes when stroked on the back and closes them when she’s no longer in use. She moves her head when she’s getting attention and she will occasionally lift her paw to “lick” it, simulating feline grooming. She will roll onto her back after a few moments of petting so that the child can rub her tummy. She vocalizes with both purrs and meows, just like a real cat.

Features

This plush kitty lies in a reclining position and has a somewhat flexible body. She has very soft, long fur to be petted and stroked. Her shiny green eyes are very realistic. FurReal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty comes with a comb for grooming her fur and an adoption certificate to complete the pet ownership fantasy.

Some Pics

Critiques

She isn’t rigid or hard bottomed, but she is somewhat fixed in her body position. Since she is not fully robotic, she does not stand or walk but stays on the couch or bed where she is placed. Some say that this immobility does not detract from the toy but actually adds to the authenticity of this toy and makes her even more like a real cat. She may shed a bit, which again adds to the realism, but it is not known to cause allergic reactions. FurReal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty has a suggested retail price of $54.99, which place it well above most plush toys. However, the price is in keeping with the added technology and the benefits of motion that this little kitty incorporates.

What Paws Thinks

While she still prefers the classic ball of yarn and the occassional live critter, Paws gives Lulu a big “Two Paws Up”. The new FurReal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin Kitty is Available from Amazon for $54.99