The “robot cat” in Chris Matyszczyk’s 2022 ZDNET article was Elephant Robotics’ metaCat. It can respond to touch and voice commands with movement and sound, but its engaging reactions are not the same as a living cat’s independent behavior or emotional understanding. The piece is a personal account, not a controlled test or a clinical assessment of robotic pets.
What is the robot cat in the ZDNET review?
It is Elephant Robotics’ metaCat, a robotic companion cat. Chris Matyszczyk’s first-person article, published September 11, 2022, describes a week with the device. The original ZDNET page was not directly accessible for verification; the article’s identity and date are supported by search indexing and a contemporary reprint. The account should therefore be read as one writer’s experience, not as independently verified product testing.
The reprint attributes a historical price observation of $240 to the 2022 article. That figure describes the review’s period and should not be treated as today’s price.
What does the metaCat do?
Elephant Robotics’ current product listing advertises more than 20 voice commands and touch interaction that moves the cat’s eyes, head, and tail. The company also describes voice commands for movement and control. These are manufacturer descriptions of the currently listed product; they do not establish that every detail applies to the unit Matyszczyk used in 2022.
#1 Best Overall
- A NEW CHOICE FOR INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT: Endless fun for your cat! Designed for indoor environments, this interactive toy ball rolls quickly across the carpet and emits an appealing cat-attracting chittering sound. Not only does it stimulate your cat's hunting instincts, it also allows them to enjoy outdoor chasing indoors while reducing the risk of furniture scratching
- INTELLIGENT INTERACTION AND FUN: This automatic cat toy is your pet's new playmate. It has two modes: ① Normal mode (green light), which runs for five minutes and then automatically shuts off. ② Intelligent mode (blue light), after running for five minutes the exercise ball automatically enters the dormant mode, when your cat touches it again, the exerciser will interact with your cat again. So whether it's a long game or a short interaction, this interactive cat ball meets the needs of both you and your pet, allowing your pet to entertain itself while you're busy
- TWO SPEEDS FREELY SWITCHING: The BABORUI interactive cat toy offers two speeds, fast and slow, which can be freely switched at any time. Even if your cat is cute and short-legged, it can still keep up with the pace of the exercise ball
- TRIPLE FUN, TRIPLE HAPPINESS: This cat toys for indoor cats comes with three fun tails that provide your cat with triple the fun. They can have endless fun chasing and catching the ball, while the sound of the bells on the tails will further stimulate their curiosity and desire to chase
- SAFE MATERIAL, LASTING AND DURABLE: We understand that your pet's safety is of utmost importance to you. The shell of this kitten toys is made of safe silicone material, so you don't need to worry even if your pet chews it. The durable design means it can withstand daily wear and tear, providing long-lasting companionship for you and your pet
The responses can make the device feel interactive and personable. But a reaction to touch or a command is not evidence that the robot understands a person, feels affection, or behaves with the independence of a living animal. The review’s emotional framing belongs to the writer’s experience, not a general finding about how robot pets affect people.
How long does a metaCat run on a charge?
Elephant Robotics’ current FAQ says a 45-minute charge can provide up to 10 hours of continuous operation and identifies a USB Type-C charging port. The runtime is the manufacturer’s claim, not independently measured battery performance; actual operation may differ. These specifications describe the current listing, not necessarily the 2022 review unit. See Elephant Robotics’ metaCat listing and FAQ.
Rank #2
- Perfect Gift for Kids:This interactive robot cat is the perfect toy gift for boys and girls, Ideal gift for christmas or birthdays. Kids will love its fun features, providing hours of excitement. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a surprise, this adorable pink cat toy is sure to bring smiles and laughter.
- Fun Remote Control Features:With remote control capabilities, the cat toys can move forward, backward, sing, and even dance. Kids will be fascinated by its lively movements, turning playtime into a fun, engaging experience. Its interactive features make it an irresistible companion for children of all ages.
- Rechargeable & Convenient Design:The charming design makes this interactive cat a favorite among children. Its rechargeable battery with USB charging makes it easy and convenient for parents. No need to worry about replacing batteries, ensuring longer playtime with this kitty toy that is always ready for fun.
- Interactive Toy:Touch the robot cat’s head and watch it respond with movements like sitting, standing, and meowing. These realistic interactions capture children's attention, offering them an engaging companion that encourages play and learning. Perfect for stimulating imagination and creativity.
- High Quality Build: Made from high-quality materials, this remote control cat is durable and safe, passing strict quality certifications. Parents can trust its long-lasting build, ensuring safety and peace of mind while their kids enjoy hours of playful fun with this well-crafted toy.
What does the current listing include, and what does it cost?
When accessed October 8, 2026, Elephant Robotics’ product page displayed metaCat at $159 before shipping and applicable taxes, marked it in stock, and listed Ragdoll, Bicolor B&W, and Persian appearance variants. The page also showed optional costume and carrier packages. This is a time-sensitive vendor listing, not a stable price or a record of the 2022 review’s purchase conditions. Check the current regional store and checkout total before ordering.
The product page says the item ships from a China warehouse, estimates order processing at 7–15 business days, and describes a seven-day return window for unopened items, with return shipping paid by the buyer. It directs customers in North and South America to a separate regional store. These policies and delivery details can change, so confirm the terms shown for your destination before purchase.
Rank #3
- Perfect Gift for Kids: This adorable pink robot cat is the ultimate interactive toy gift for boys and girls. Whether for Christmas, birthdays, or special occasions, it delivers endless fun and laughter. A delightful surprise that brings excitement and companionship to little ones! Ideal gifts for girls boys, even pets are enjoy this rc robot cat.
- Engaging Remote Control Fun: Watch as this smart cat moves forward, backward, sings, and even dances with the press of a button! Designed for interactive play, it turns any space into a fun-filled adventure, keeping kids entertained for hours. Fun toys for 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 year old girls boys.
- Rechargeable & & Easy to Us: Say goodbye to battery replacements! This remote control cat comes with a built-in rechargeable battery and USB charging, ensuring longer playtime and easy use for parents. Great robot toys cat. Always ready for action whenever kids want to play!
- Interactive & Lifelike Reactions: A simple touch on the head brings this robotic kitty to life! It responds with cute actions like sitting, standing, and meowing, creating an immersive play experience that stimulates imagination and creativity.
- Safe & Durable Design: Made from high-quality, child-safe materials, this toy is built to last. Rigorously tested for safety, parents can feel confident knowing their little ones have a sturdy and engaging companion for endless playtime fun.
Is a robot cat a substitute for a real pet?
That depends on what someone wants from a companion. metaCat offers programmed, responsive interaction; it does not provide the unpredictable behavior, mutual relationship, or care responsibilities of a living animal. For someone seeking a touch- and voice-responsive object, the distinction may be the point. For someone seeking the relationship and responsibilities of a pet, the robot is not an equivalent replacement. Matyszczyk’s week is a personal anecdote, not evidence that robotic pets treat loneliness or deliver specific wellbeing benefits.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.metaCat, MarsCat, and accessories are different things
Elephant Robotics lists clothing, a bell, and a cat nest among metaCat accessories. It also markets MarsCat as a separate autonomous bionic cat, described as responsive to touch, voice, face, and toys. MarsCat is not another name for metaCat, and claims about one product should not be transferred to the other. Elephant Robotics’ product and accessory navigation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Can Play On Any Floor】The powerful motor enables the interactive cat ball toy to move quickly on thick carpets, thin carpets, and hard floors. However, the movement speed on carpets is slightly slower than that on hard floors. If you notice a significant slowdown in running speed compared to before, follow the instructions to clean the hair on the connecting rod
- 【Skin-friendly Material】The surface of the ball is made of flocking and silica gel. The fluffy touch makes cats willing to get close to it. The 2.3-inch size is suitable for adult cats and kittens. You can regularly wipe the dirt on the surface of the toy ball
- 【Two Interaction Modes】Press and hold the button for 1 second to activate the slow mode (the red light flashes and then turns off). It is suitable for timid, less active, or older cats. We have specifically turned off the light for these cats to avoid scaring or harming their eyes. Press the button again briefly to switch to the fast mode (the blue light is on continuously). This mode is applicable to all surfaces such as carpets and hard floors and is ideal for bold and energetic adult cats
- 【Interesting Tail Accessory】The elastic tail accessory and the ball move quickly together, making cats think this is an agile mouse and go crazy for it. In the package, we have included two tail accessories for your convenience to replace
- 【Motion Activatied】After the cat toy is turned on and you play with your cat for 3 minutes, it enters standby mode. When your cat pats or touches it again, it will be reactivated to play with your cat for another three minutes. During each activation, a bird chirping sound will be emitted to attract cats to chase and catch, stimulating their hunting instincts
Rank #4
- Top-Tier Dual Interactive Fun: Qraxond's new indoor cat toy has dual motors, controlling random rotation of butterfly and plush tail swing rod accessories, bringing fun, exciting play for kittens and adult cats. Hide-and-Seek: The animal tail-shaped plush hides under the cover cloth, rotating irregularly to appear/disappear, creating a hide-and-seek game. It mimics real prey, bringing unpredictable chases to stimulate the cat's brain and senses. Irregular Rotating Butterfly: The top has an auto-rotating butterfly that rotates, pauses or swings to simulate real flight, keeping the cat engaged. Various interactions ensure the cat gets enough exercise to avoid obesity
- 3 Adjustable Speed Modes: Customize the excitement with separate buttons for the butterfly and tail. Choose from 3 settings: Steady (Blue Light), Active (Purple Light), and Random (Yellow Light). Suitable for high-energy cats to burn off steam or for calm cats to enjoy gentle play. Keep your feline entertained and prevent boredom, especially when they are home alone
- Touch-Sensitive Activation: Your Cat's in Control! With smart touch-sensor technology, just tap the device to fire up the fun mode, it will kick off a 5-minute automatic play session instantly. Right after the play session ends, it switches directly to touch-sensitive standby mode, where the purple indicator light flashes every 20 seconds. Simply tap again to reactivate it for another 5-minute cycle. This smart loop ensures your cat gets sufficient exercise and prevents overstimulation
- Large Rechargeable Battery: Enjoy long-lasting play with the built-in 2500mAh battery. It charges fully in just 2.5 hours via the included USB cable (use a 5V adapter only). The efficient auto on/off cycle extends battery life, making it convenient for busy pet owners while ensuring your cat gets healthy, moderate exercise
- Realistic Bird Chirping: Elevate the hunt with lifelike sound. The built-in speaker emits authentic bird chirps to attract your cat's attention and stimulate their prey drive. Combined with the random motions of the butterfly and tail, it creates an irresistible and engaging play experience that keeps your cat happily chasing even when they're by themselves
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
