Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Play With Shelter Cats Online RIGHT NOW
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 25, 2011
Modified Oct 25, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 25, 2011
Modified Oct 25, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
In perhaps the greatest innovation in cat fancying technology since the giant Cat Boat in Amsterdam, the Bideawee animal shelter in Midtown East has installed a system whereby people can play with pound kitties from the comfort of their home. For free.
According to the Times, the iPetCompanion, which lets you control cat toys with your mouse and enjoy the action via webcam, was pioneered by business developer Scott Harris. He's not even a cat person! "The pound hasn't traditionally been a place that shows innovations in the tech world," but after seeing the success of installing one in an Idaho shelter, he said, "It made me realize how many people want to interact with cats." He really didn't know before?
The $5,200 system was donated to Bideawee, and since then people across the globe have been playing with Manhattan's stray cats. We just took a turn (you're allotted two minutes with three toys) and we must admit: all the cats seemed a little bored with the spinning toys. Yet we are undeterred, and will certainly be back for more.
Tagged
bideawee
cat fancy
cats
kitteh
kitties
technology
the wonders of the internet
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
California man was shot by a NJ detective in Moonachie, officials say
Roberto Castro-Quinonez of Bakersfield, California was shot by police in Bergen County on Wednesday, according to the New Jersey attorney general's office.
By
Kaya Laterman
Published Oct 29, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
The NYPD is confiscating e-bikes along a clogged East Village street
The action follows complaints from merchants and neighbors about blocked sidewalks and curbs.
By
Willow Higgins
News
The NYPD is confiscating e-bikes along a clogged East Village street
The action follows complaints from merchants and neighbors about blocked sidewalks and curbs.
By
Willow Higgins
New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will get more money for fresh produce next year
By
Giulia Heyward
'You can't even look out the window': Asbestos dust coats Brooklyn NYCHA building walls
By
Catalina Gonella
Trash containers take over Brooklyn parking spaces as NYC gets garbage bags off sidewalks
By
Liam Quigley
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .