Allergic to Cats? Get a Designer Hypoallergenic Breed!

Filed in archive Asthma , Living with Allergies , Pet Allergies on June 6, 2006

A while back, I have been blogging about labradoodles and hypoallergenic dogs: canine friends bred specifically with those with pet allergies in mind. It's supposed to be 90% hypoallergenic, which I can't confirm personally, because I haven't got one, nor do I know of anyone who can spend a thousand bucks for a pup (Would you happen to have such a dog? Would love to hear from you!).

Well, if there are hypoallergenic dogs, why not fashion hypoallergenic cats, as well? Afterall, there are a lot more who claim to have allergies triggered by cats than by dogs. Obviously, the gap is not lost to scientists. And they were quick to fill it.

What makes people allergic to cats in the first place?

The primary cause of allergic reactions to cats is caused by allergens found in the cat sebaceous glands in the cat's skin, such as the allergenic glycoprotein called Fel D1(short for "Felis domesticus"), it is also secreted via saliva in lesser quantities. When cats lick themselves, they spread this protein, which is rather sticky, and glues itself onto dust particles, the home, your clothing and their fur; whether it's long, short, straight, curly, or absent. As all cats have sebaceous glands, all cat breeds can potentially cause allergies. Allergic allergens are also found in the faeces, serum, urine, mucous, dander, and hair roots of the cat.

So to come up with a hypoallergenic cat, breeders simply had to screen for cats that do not have produce this Fel D1 allergen, or produces a harmless version of it.

Down to the most important question: how much? A whopping $3,950 for a 12-week kitten, inclusive of kits and paraphernalias for the kitten, and allergy test kits for the owner. If you're allergic, but years for a cat, think about it, but think fast. If you order today, it will still take about a year before you get your kitten. click here to know more about the Allerca hypoallergenic cats.