Sophia Hollander wrote about apps designed specifically for pets:

• Pets that are stranded alone at home can use apps on tablet devices to entertain themselves
• These games allow cats to swat at mice, go fishing, and even destroy urban landscapes. If the cat begins to lose interest the game might emit a ‘meow’.
• Focus groups of cats and dogs are used to ensure that the games will be popular for pets across the world. They are known as gamer pets.
• But it’s not just cats and dogs who play the games. Tigers and frogs have enjoyed them. Penguins, in particular, seem to like “Game for Cats”.
• It’s also possible to play against your pet. In You vs Cat competitors try to score goals against cats. The cats are currently in the lead 28.2 million points to 19.7 million.
• There are in fact entire classrooms devoted to teaching pets how to use tablets. In one class if dogs stop paying attention then peanut butter is smeared on the screen.
• It’s not all fun and games. Some apps are used for therapeutic purposes to build trust in abused animals.
• Those who have taught their pets to use tablets may come to regret it. The pets soon begin to think that the tablet belongs to them, and get in the way when it’s the human’s turn to use the device.
• Unfortunately pets cannot yet help humans out with tasks like online banking.

The article is entertaining and well written. Find out about “catty” critics of the phenomenon, the rising competition, and more over here. Read our entire series on pet perks here.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Via: Marginal Revolution