MEOW

SNEEZE-FREE CATS NOW ON SALE


For those who love cats, but are prone to sneezing around them, a solution could be on the horizon.

San Diego based company Allerca says it has successfully produced the world's first hypoallergenic cat, something that could allow allergic pet lovers to enjoy cats again.

"There's really a need. One of the primary reasons that cats are unfortunately given up for adoption or go to shelters is because people are really highly allergic, said company spokesman Stephen May.

Joshua — an 18-month old second generation cat — is the first of its kind, with doctors and researchers confirming he is indeed hypoallergenic.

Hypoallergenic cats 'all natural'

The company hopes cats such as Joshua can provide a pet option to the 30 percent of people who suffer from allergic reactions to cats, including itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing and skin rashes.

The company says the symptoms are reactions to a specific protein, an allergen found in the pet's saliva, urine, or dander. However it says scientists are now able to eliminate the protein naturally.

"They have identified the protein which is Fel d1 within the gene and through natural breeding — these are not bred in any other way except true nature — they are able to isolate and find who happens to be Joshua's parents,” said Mr May.

"They found a female that was low in the Fel d1 and through natural breeding process the offspring are able to have very very low Fel d1 protein."

Precious kitty

Joshua, the specially bred cat, is waiting to be placed in a home and the company says there are already a number of people on the waiting list for these special cats.

However the apparent luxury of a hypoallergenic cat does not come cheap, and will set owners back around $US4000 per feline.

However the company remains convinced it is a reasonable price to pay for the love of a sneeze-free kitty.

"In times of need and passion whether its depression, whether its something traumatic, nothing substitutes the love of a pet. You can't put a price on it,” said Mr May.

The Allerca kittens which are sold spayed or neutered will also come with a micro chip installed as pet insurance.

They will be available to expectant customers early in 2007.