Licki brush helps humans lick their cats
Pet lovers raise more than £20,000 in bid to get closer to their beloved moggies

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.

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.
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.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 heavy-handed cartoons about ICE and deportation
Cartoons Artists take on international students, the Supreme Court, and more
By The Week US
-
Exploring the three great gardens of Japan
The Week Recommends Beautiful gardens are 'the stuff of Japanese landscape legends'
By The Week UK
-
Is Prince Harry owed protection?
Talking Point The Duke of Sussex claims he has been singled out for 'unjustified and inferior treatment' over decision to withdraw round-the-clock security
By The Week UK
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weapons
The Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests
By Abby Wilson
-
The arrest of the Philippines' former president leaves the country's drug war in disarray
In the Spotlight Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC earlier this month
By Justin Klawans, The Week US
-
Ukrainian election: who could replace Zelenskyy?
The Explainer Donald Trump's 'dictator' jibe raises pressure on Ukraine to the polls while the country is under martial law
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
Why Serbian protesters set off smoke bombs in parliament
THE EXPLAINER Ongoing anti-corruption protests erupted into full view this week as Serbian protesters threw the country's legislature into chaos
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical
By The Week Staff
-
Why Assad fell so fast
The Explainer The newly liberated Syria is in an incredibly precarious position, but it's too soon to succumb to defeatist gloom
By The Week UK
-
Romania's election rerun
The Explainer Shock result of presidential election has been annulled following allegations of Russian interference
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK