The greatest invention to premier at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show, maybe at any CES, is Nékojita FuFu. The cute little cat-shaped robot that rests on the side of your coffee cup and blows on it to cool the contents is far and away better and more interesting than the sort of AI-powered slop machines that normally get rolled out at these events. And now, Nékojita FuFu is ready to introduce itself to a larger audience thanks to an all-new Kickstarter campaign.
As we reported back in January, Nékojita FuFu is the creation of Yukai Engineering, a Tokyo-based startup that makes all sorts of whimsical toys, like a plushie that will bite you and a “therapeutic robot” in the shape of a fur pillow with a tail. The cuteness quotient is through the roof here.
Their latest creation, FuFu, has been in the works since 2020. Per the Kickstarter, they originally made a version with a Japanese toy manufacturer but it wasn’t able to scale, so they had to go back to the drawing board. The result of that rethink is this adorable silicone cat that can hang from its paws on the lip of your cup or bowl. Standing just over 3” tall, FuFu is then able to blow a stream of air over the surface of the liquid to help cool it and can bring a mug of 89°C (192°F) liquid down to a more manageable 71°C (160°) in three minutes time, more than double the cooling rate were the drink just to sit there undisturbed.
Nékojita FuFu has two distinct blowing patterns, or FuRhythms as Yukai refers to them. There is the steady stream of air as well as a randomized flow meant to mimic the way a human would blow on something to cool it. FuFu is also rechargeable and the exterior silicon is dishwasher safe.
And new to the Kickstarter campaign are a few additional color options. Along with the off-white Milk, Nékojita FuFu is now available in Sakura (a cherry blossom-like pink) and Chocolate.
Though the campaign started just a few days ago, it has raised nearly $20,000, five times that of its $4,000 goal. Still there are discounts aplenty for the cat-tongued amongst you, including a Nékojita FuFu in your choice of color for just $25, or 13% off the retail price. Or, if you’re looking to spend a little bit, you can get your hands on a Nékojita FuFu with a limited edition pink porcelain mug made in collaboration with fine china maker Rosenthal for around $205. Rewards are scheduled to begin shipping out in June.
So if you’re tired of drinks being too hate and are too impatient to sit around and wait, or if you just like really cute and exceedingly silly things, then you need some Nékojita FuFu in your life. There’s no wrong way to FuFu. For more information or to back the campaign, visit the Nékojita FuFu Kickstarter page.
Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.
