Need a robo pet buddy? Feline ginseng? The Hong Kong Cat Expo has got you covered

Thousands flocked to the opening day of the annual Hong Kong Cat Expo despite Friday’s reel of rainstorm warnings, splashing out on products ranging from pet companion robots to ginseng supplements.

The three-day event, which has been held annually since 2023, is being held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai and features more than 185 exhibitors and 400 booths, helping to introduce a wave of novel pet businesses.

Among them was a smart companion robot, which uses artificial intelligence and allows owners to monitor, talk to and play with their cats using a smartphone app.

While models range in price from HK$749 to HK$1,579 (), all of them come equipped with a mobile security camera. Select high-end products also feature built-in laser lights, cat teaser wands, treat dispensers or simulated animal sound effects.

Kevin Koo, the 42-year-old product manager of the Futex Corporation, the mainland Chinese company behind the device, said the product could help locate pets that liked to hide.