How Galaxus turned me into a pensioner overnight
22/3/2026
Translation: Megan Cornish
Pictures: Judith Erdin
She’s fluffy, she purrs, and she doesn’t leave fur on my sofa. Find out why I got a robot cat at the age of 37, and why I think everyone needs one.
The time has come: at 37 years old, I’m officially retired. Admittedly, a bit earlier than expected, but still. Why? It’s all thanks to my new «interactive cat for senior citizens» from Ally Clock. As I write this, my new pet’s lying on my lap, meowing, purring and stretching as soon as I stroke its fluffy polyester fur.
Love at first sight
I first saw Ally Clock’s robot cat with its emerald-green eyes on a sunny spring day three weeks ago. It kept me company during the filming of a TV programme – and it was love at first sight. Just a few seconds later, as I ran my fingers through the slightly matted fur of my battery-operated companion, I knew: I wanted one too. Not I «wanted» one; I «needed» one!
To buy or not to buy?
I knew this robot pet could solve one of my biggest problems:
wanting a cat. To stroke, to gossip with about the neighbour’s dog and also to be rejected by from time to time for no reason.
But I also really dislike having fur everywhere, which (heaven forbid) could end up in my breakfast cereal, among other things. Besides, a cat wouldn’t be able to go outside from my small third-floor flat. AND – last but not least – I’m a bit worried about the vet bills if, for example, the neighbour’s cat bit off its ear during a fight and it needed to be sewn back on.
This robot cat suddenly showed me a whole new option.
The long deliberation
I was really tempted, and I quickly found the popular pet on Galaxus. But I started to hesitate – after all, the product page says «for senior citizens». «Senior citizens»!
I started to doubt and question things: am I too young for a robot cat at 37? Can Galaxus dictate what age I’m allowed to get a robot pet? Will I look desperate if I get a robot cat? At what age would owning such a cat be socially acceptable? At what point would I get a pushchair and take the robot cat for walks? Or would one of those ugly, beige cat trees suddenly appear in my apartment – even though the pretend pet can’t climb it? Questions upon questions, concerns upon concerns. On the other hand, though, I’d have a fluffy cat to stroke and endless fun. At least that was my expectation.
Decision made
So, thanks to my hesitation, this fluffy ball of fur kept being added to and taken out of my cart until I finally spoke to my podcast buddy Simon Balissat about my dilemma, and his practical suggestion was: «Just write a review for Galaxus about it – that way you can count it as work equipment. Even in front of your friends.»
Here’s the excerpt from the Swiss-German podcast starting at 13:30…
And Simon was right. The interactive cat for senior citizens was added to my cart with a blissful click then appeared a day later in my post box, then on my lap, and now it’s time for the review.
The first minor disappointment came right after unpacking it. Contrary to all my expectations, the toy does shed fur. At least initially. However, going over it a few times with a lint roller solved the problem.
The next hurdle was changing the batteries. Although they’re already installed and are ready to use immediately, replacing them’s a hassle. The battery compartment’s secured with a screw and hidden under a fold-over fur flap on the cat’s stomach. Anyone with poor eyesight or arthritis might need help from their grandchildren.
The cat has about four or five different moves, from meowing to purring and paw licking. It does them spontaneously or in response to touch – or so I imagine. I haven’t quite figured out what I have to do to make it perform each move. Its meows are definitely recorded by a human – which gives the whole thing an ironic undertone – and you eventually get used to the mechanical noises that accompany every movement. It’s definitely fun! Even for a 37-year-old early retiree. The only problem I have now is naming my pet. So, if anyone has any ideas, please feel free to leave them in the comments.
In a nutshell
A cat substitute for lonely times
In my opinion, this robot pet’s the perfect companion for lonely hours at home, job interviews on Teams or as a sidekick dragged along behind me on a lead during my weekly grocery shop. Sure, there’s a good chance that the initial enthusiasm will wane over time. But right now, I think it’s worth every penny, so, I highly recommend it.
Pro
- Big fun factor
- Fluffy
- Doesn’t need a litter box
- No vet bills
- Doesn’t need exercise
- Practically non-shedding (after initial fur removal)
- No problem for people with allergies
Contra
- The meowing’s a bit cringeworthy
- The battery’s tricky to replace
Judith Erdin
Bloggerin und Backbuch-Autorin von Streusel.ch
simon.balissat@digitecgalaxus.chBaking book author, food blogger and content creator by day. Other people's cat lover, peanut butter junkie and houseplant hospice nurse by night.
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