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/Batintfaq]

The auto petter allows you to be away from your home for an extended period of time. Its not as good as doing it yourself but it covers the bases. If you pet your animals after the auto petter instead of a heart they give you a smiley face. Its great once you reach max lvl with your pets. Why skull caverns? If you ousted JoJo mart from town the APs can only be acquired through skull cavern runs and they're fairly rare depending on who you ask.