Hasbro's Official list of FurReal Friends 2009 - Press Release

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – February 13, 2009 - In 2009, Hasbro, Inc.'s (NYSE: HAS) FurReal Friends line, the #1 selling Special Feature Plush brand for 4-8 year olds(Source: The NPD Group / Consumer Tracking Service, YTD 2008 through November), once again delivers the amazing “wow” factor that kids have come to expect with the introduction of LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY pet. As the newest member of the FurReal Friends family, LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY is a fun-loving feline that preens, cuddles, and mews just like an actual kitty, making her the most realistic cat to join the brand.

Since its 2002 debut, Hasbro’s FurReal Friends brand has offered children loveable plush electronic toys that “come to life” and provide realistic, nurturing animal experiences. In 2006, Hasbro introduced the popular FURREAL FRIENDS BUTTERSCOTCH PONY, a classic 'dream toy' for girls -- a virtually real pony that girls can love and care for, which became one of the biggest hits of the holiday season. Squawkers McCaw the FurReal Friends Parrot followed in 2007 and FurReal Friends Biscuit, My Lovin' Pup, one of the most talked about toys of 2008, continued to deliver the magical play experiences that have become synonymous with the brand.

LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $54.99/Available: Fall 09)The FurReal Friends brand launched in 2002 with the introduction of a lifelike cat and this fall, the brand returns to its roots with the introduction of LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY pet, the most realistic feline to join the family. The "purr-fect" pet for little girls, LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY pet features soft white and marmalade fur and preens, cuddles, and mews just like a "real" kitty cat. LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY loves to snuggle; gently rub her back and she will “purr" and "meow" to show that she is happy. Once she's relaxed, LULU will roll over onto her back, indicating it’s time to have her tummy rubbed. Just like a "real" cat, LULU preens as she "licks" her little paw, then lifts it up to clean her adorable face. Requires four “C” batteries, included.
FURREAL FRIENDS LIL' PATTER PUP
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Spring 09)The FurReal Friends brand has gone to the dogs with the introduction of the LIL' PATTER PUP pet. This perky little pup cannot wait to get moving! The LIL' PATTER PUP pet loves to walk around and wag his tail. Show him his bone and he will sniff it and then make eating noises! The LIL' PATTER PUP pooch loves to be petted and will respond to touch by walking and barking happily. Pet lovers can choose between two types of puppies - an adorable auburn Pomeranian or a loveable tan, white, and grey Shih Tzu. Each puppy is sold separately. Requires three “AAA” batteries, included.

FURREAL FRIENDS CUDDLE CHIMP
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Fall 09)FurReal Friends' Cuddle Chimp pet is sure to bring lots of laughs and love to children this fall. This realistic-looking chimpanzee loves snuggle and cuddle - give him a hug and he hugs you back! After being “fed” from his banana bottle or stroked along his back, Cuddle Chimp lets kids know he is ready for a hug by stretching out his arms. When hugged, the adorable chimpanzee snuggles into his owner’s arms and makes "real" happy chimp sounds. Cuddle Chimp loves to be tickled - but watch out, as this loveable chimp will go bananas by clapping his hands and crying out excitedly with baby chimp noises. Requires three “C” batteries, included.

FURREAL FRIENDS LUV CUB PANDA
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Fall 09)Cuddly and cute with arms open wide for a hug, children will love to snuggle and play with the FurReal Friends' Luv Cub Panda pet. This adorable black and white panda bear loves to be held and makes "real" bear sounds to show his delight. Give him a “bear hug” and he’ll give a hug right back! FurReal Friends Luv Cub Panda loves to play peek-a-boo and will move his arms up to his face to cover his eyes. FurReal Friends Luv Cub Panda comes complete with a “bottle” that he loves to slurp up, but be careful, if you “feed” him too much, he’ll get the hiccups! Requires three “C” batteries, included.
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Source: Hasbro - Released 13/02/2009 11:32
Related Link: FurReal Friends
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Related Link: New FurReal Friends for 2009

New FurReal Friends for 2009

The Hasbro stand at the Toy Fair in London showed a range of new FurReal pets. Fans will be pleased to hear that limited supplies of the FurReal kittens should be making a comeback sometime this year along with the Cuddle Chimp.
For Christmas 2009 we see the introduction of Lulu My Cuddlin' Kitten, Zambi the Elephant and the Newborn Black and White Guinea Pig.

Hasbro claim that Lulu will be more interactive than the White Cat but unfortunately will not sit up. Instead, Lulu will be able to roll over to let you pet her tummy and will take time out to lick herself. It's nice that the makers took the time to think about hygiene.

Zambi the Elephant will also be making an appearance Christmas 2009. While the demonstration Elephant was not fully working it was able to raise its trunk. When its trunk is stroked Zambi is able to grasp your finger with its trunk and give you a kiss. Zambi is one of the medium sized FurReal Friends and comes in at a retail price of £39.99. Hasbro will be donating 50% of all profits from the elephant, a minimum of $500,000, to a charity in Zambia. 'World Vision' is a charity that benefits children who have lost parents to aids. More about Hasbro children's fund can be found here.
The elephant is being sold for a really good cause and it will be interesting to see how popular the elephant is as one of the only non-household pets available from the range.

The FurReal Newborn range increases in size this year but as always, is a little unpredictable. In spring and summer the sets are said to include a marmalade kitten, chocolate labrador, dalmatian, lamb, piglet, chipmunk, panda and chimp. In Autumn and Winter the range will also include Beagle Pup, Calico Kitten, Honey Bear and Polar Bear. The much loved FurReal Guinea Pig released in the early millenium also sees a comeback in the later part of this year in a new colour.

Unfortunately, due to issues in the far east the FurReal Range will see an increase in prices in 2009. As always, we will attempt to keep the pets reasonably priced so they are affordable to all of our customers.