The internet was made for cats, we all know that.

Whether it's songs written for cats or videos about them there's just something about our aloof, non-committal friends that gets almost everyone clicking.

Now a US company has developed a robotic cat toy that lets users play with real cats in real time, over the internet.

Part cat cafe, part meme, part Tamagotchi (remember them?).

The idea behind iPet Companion is relatively simple - a remote controlled series of pistons with toys connected to them which can be controlled over the web.

The device contains a camera so that users operating the toy (via an app embedded in a webpage) can watch the pets play and take screenshots.

Accidental invention

According to Scott Harris from inReach, the Idaho-based company behind the product, it was an accidental invention.

They were originally building a system so that engineers could robotically inspect and repair equipment from offices hundreds of miles away.

"One of our engineers was testing a remotely-controlled piston at his home and found that the movement of the robotic arm got his cat's attention," he explained.

"As the engineer actuated the piston from the web, the cat would jump and play with the moving parts.

"It enticed them both so much that he ended up playing with his cat most of the day (and finished almost none of his work).

"Based on Spot's response, we thought our technology might have some application with our local shelter; a cute hook to bring people to the shelter and 'showcase' their adaptable animals.

Harris then got in touch with animal welfare groups to see if they would be interested.

"They agreed, and boy… We got eclipsed by the reaction of the public and the world of animal welfare. The next four years has been a ride."

The company now has devices installed in more than a dozen animal sanctuaries throughout the US, with users from around the world queuing up online to play with the cats for two minutes. The wait can take several hours but people don't seem put off.

And of course, bonds eventually form: "We actually had a lady in New York play with a kitten in South Carolina and after playing with the kitten through the website, she called the shelter and said 'don't adopt that cat'. She then jumped on a plane, flew over seven states, and adopted that animal the next day," Scott told Newsbeat.

The system also means people with severe allergies and disabilities can safely play with the animals. It has been trialled for use in hospital too.

The iPet Companions are currently being installed "at cost" in animal shelters, most being sponsored by private donors.

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