Senior Library Programs Office Catherine Greenslade introduces one of the Library’s new robotic cats to a Storytime audience on Friday 7 March.
THE CAT’S MEOW:  Senior Library Programs Office Catherine Greenslade introduces one of the Library’s new robotic cats to an enraptured Storytime audience.
Community

Cat comfort coming to Library

Published: 10 Mar 2025 9:33am

Wagga Wagga City Library has become home to five extraordinarily cute robotic cats.

The cats are perfect companions for visitors to the library who want that something extra in their reading time.

Senior Library Programs Office Catherine Greenslade said the robotic cats react to voices, and purr when held and stroked.

“They even come with their own hair combs,” Ms Greenslade said.

“They’re available for two-hour loans in the library for anyone who wants some friendly interaction during a visit.

“And if you’re allergic to real cats, we promise these ones won’t make you sneeze.”

Ms Greenslade said robot pets first found therapeutic use as a dementia aid – where they helped revive memories and spark communication – and were beneficial for children with autism.

“Libraries have since started adopting them to increase public engagement. Robot cats have found success in Australian libraries by providing companionship, reducing anxiety and stress, and making people feel more welcome.

“They might also help children learning to read. Reading aloud to animals has been shown to increase a child’s literacy confidence. While reading to robotic pets is less studied, it may mirror the effects of reading to a live animal.”

Library Programs Officer Beth Harrison with the Library’s five robotic cats.
ARMFUL OF FURRY FRIENDS: Library Programs Officer Beth Harrison with the Library’s five robotic cats. They purr when stroked and are great listeners for any young visitors wanting to read to them.

The Library is inviting the community to help name the new cats.

There is a list of literary cat names for people to choose from, including Firestar (Warrior Cats), Buttercup (The Hunger Games), Greebo (Terry Pratchett), Scarface Claw (Hairy McClairy), Mog (Meg and Mog), and many more.

The naming competition starts on Monday 10 March and finishes on Monday 24 March.

“Just asked a friendly librarian next time you visit the library how you can vote for your favourite name.”

You can find the list of potential names and cast your vote here

The names of the cats will be announced on Wednesday 26 March.

The robotic cats will be available for people to loan inhouse from Monday 10 March.