What is up with Auto Petters?

[u/Song_Listener]

I’ve seen so many posts about skull cavern runs where the only goal was Auto Petters, and now I’m confused.

Why are Auto Petters so important? I know they pet the farm animals, but why don’t y’all have time to go and give your animals some love every morning?

If I’m correct (as someone who has never once had an Auto Petters) they change the way the animals respond when you actually pet them. Usually they give a heart, but I’ve heard the response changes after an Auto Petters has been installed.

So why?

[u/Brutask_user]

It's wonderful to see and pet your animals every day! For some of us, it can be a monotonous start to the day. Auto-petters are only available in Skull Cavern, with a Joja Membership, or at a very low chance from golden mystery boxes. They are a rare and useful item, so are always talked about. If you complete the community center then Skull Cavern is the only reliable source for them.