Scientists create VR experience that perfectly simulates touching a cat as if it’s real

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Okay, so scientists have made this incredible VR thing, and seriously, it feels like you’re actually petting a cat! You can feel the fur – how soft it is – and even sense its breathing. It’s wild! As a cat lover, I’m completely blown away.

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a device that simulates the feeling of petting a cat, offering a comforting experience even without a real feline friend. This represents a significant advancement in technology and could provide emotional support for those who miss having a pet.

If you’re allergic to cats, never owned the game Nintendogs + Cats, or simply don’t like getting scratched, you’ll be happy to hear this!

VR cat is the purrfect companion

This VR system creates the sensation of touch using sound waves. It sends small pressure pulses to your skin, which your brain interprets as actual feeling, even though nothing is physically touching you.

Imagine someone lightly touching your shoulder, like a ghost, but without any feeling of fear or terror.

Rather than using spooky visuals, the researchers used sound and gentle vibrations to make participants feel like they were petting a virtual cat – simulating the softness of its fur and the feeling of its breathing.

The virtual cat was made even more realistic by simulating the feel of fur, changing how it felt when stroked in different directions. It was also programmed to behave like a real, calming cat – purring, dozing, yawning, and looking at the hand that was petting it, all without the risk of a bite.

The virtual reality experience noticeably lowered participants’ heart rates. If you’d like a low-maintenance, digital pet – one that won’t disturb your sleep or cause accidental damage – a VR cat might be ideal.

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2026-04-30 14:48