Licki brush helps humans lick their cats

More than 1,000 people have pledged nearly $30,000 (£20,700) to help fund a product that will allow humans to lick their pet cats.

The "Licki Brush", a soft silicone device, is held in a pet-owner's mouth and used to brush their animal to help develop a bond.

"Gently grasp Licki's bite portion with your teeth, slowly approach your cat when she is sleeping or in an otherwise pleasant mood, and ease into the soothing and mutually beneficial licking behaviour of cats," say the instructions. "Don't be surprised if your cat licks you back."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

The idea comes from Jason O'Mara, an electrical engineer from Oregon, who needs at least $36,500 (£25,300) in pledges by 27 June for the project to go ahead.

With 25 days to go, 1,154 backers have already promised $29,983 on Kickstarter, all in hope of receiving a brush when they are ready in ship in January 2017.

"Have you ever wanted to lick your cat? Now you can. Without the furballs," says O'Mara, a self-declared cat entertainment enthusiast.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"95574","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]

"We have designed Licki brush to bring you and your cat closer. By using Licki with your cat on a regular basis, you'll develop a more intimate and bonded relationship, much like a mama cat bonds with her young."

The brush is not just for cats. The team has tested Licki on "several friendly dogs and rabbits" who apparently "basked in the delight of their owner's grooming".

O'Mara and his wife, Tara, previously created SHRU, a cat toy that mimics the erratic movement and sound of a small animal.