ATLANTA -- An Atlanta tax attorney is getting national attention for creating a toy cat that looks and sounds like the real thing.

Vivian Hoard won the Creative Child Magazine's Preferred Choice Award for 2008 for creating Catnap Kitties.

She was inspired by her own cat, Ludwig, who passed away at the age of 19. She had adopted Ludwig from the Hall County Humane Society right after she graduated from law school.

"My children would fall asleep with him," Hoard said on 11 Alive News Saturday Today. "When he passed away, I thought, `What are we doing to do to replace Ludwig.'"

She described Catnap Kitties as a comfort toy that has therapeutic benefits for children of all ages. She said older customers are particularly drawn to the life-like feel and sound.

She secured a patent on the toy's harmonic purr that simulates the subtle sound and comforting feel of holding a real purring cat.

Catnap Kitties are available at the Children's Museum in Atlanta, as well as select toy stores. You can also order one or get more information by clicking here.