For the cat lovers with allergies

[MissDolittle]

http://www.itv.com/news/world_ed357d3ef2fbe20f2b1924214bc496f4.html

Sneeze-free cats go on sale

The world's first hypoallergenic cats have gone on sale in the US, pleasing pet lovers who are prone to the sniffles.

Researchers promise the cats will not cause the red eyes, sneezing and even asthma that some cat allergy sufferers experience, except in the most acute cases.

There is already a waiting list for the cuties, despite them carrying a hefty $2,100 price tag.

US biotech firm Allerca said it has managed to selectively breed them by reducing a certain type of protein that triggers allergic reactions.

Stephen May, Allerca spokesman said: "There's a lot of allergic people out there who really really enjoy pets.

"One of the primary reasons that cats are unfortunately given up for adoption or go to shelters is because people are really highly allergic.

"So to share that quality time and still wanting a cherished pet like this from a cat, there is big demand."

[WingedCat]

Wow, interesting article. Thanks Miss D

[Saviah Wildlife]

I still think one with allergies unless so severe it can be fatal can be overcome, at least to the point where they can live with cats. It's one of the biggest excuses for getting RID of pets.

[SnyperKat]

It's one of the biggest excuses for getting RID of pets.

We had to give away one of our cats because my mom was dating somebody severely allergic at the time and couldn't come into the house, but the cat went to live with my dad, and when things were back to normal we got her back, hehe. :) But I think people use that more as an excuse to not get a cat at all rather than get rid of it.

(Wow, that was a long run-on sentence. >< )

[Saviah Wildlife]

Yes that's my point. Except for severe ones (and sometimes even those) the allergies can be overcome. There are also medications.

It's like how some people are immune to snake venom, from dosing themselves with a little bit each day. I fear for kids allergic to nuts but I always feel if they were given a "safe" dose per day they would become immune to the allergy.

[oldcrow61]

I'm inclined to agree with you Micheal. My daughter has been trying to rent her third floor to another artist and a young man came to see the rooms the other day. He said it would be perfect for him but saw that she had five cats and said as he was allergic to rabbits he didn't think he would be able to take it. Anyone know if cats and rabbits cause the same allergys.

[WijitingBoo]

From my experiences, rabbits and cats do not cause the same allergies. I have had friends allergic to one or the other or both. We had a rabbit and 3 cats in our apartment at college... so we were always juggling who was allergic to what when they visited. But anyway.. my friend who was allergic to cats would often be the one that baby sat my rabbit.

Most people who are allergic to cats are allergic to the protein that they produce in their saliva. With all the grooming and such that cats do it is transfered to the hair and dander etc which then spreads the allergen further. Other people are allergic to chemicals in the cat's urine. The same goes for rabbits. Some people are allergic to proteins in the saliva that get transfered to fur during grooming, and some are allergic to the urine (there are conflicting views on which is the more common allergen). The other thing with rabbits is that a lot of people are actually allergic to the hay and dust that the hay brings in. Both animals can also have people react to dander (though this is not as common as the protein allergen). It is very important to get an allergy test to determine what it is that is specifically causing the allergy.

Now.. technically, the proteins in each that cause the allergens are different. They are specific to the species. Cats have 12 proteins that can causer allergies, but the main one is Fel D 1. Rabbits have fewer proteins and the main ones are Ory C 1 and Ory C 2. These proteins than cuase different antibody reactions. So... they would be different allergies. Just because someone is allergic to one, does not mean they would be allergic to the other. However, it IS possible for someone who already is allergic to one thing to develop allergies to another. It wouldn't be an automatic thing, but usually having allergies to something can indicate a weakness in the body's ability to make antibodies in the first place. It can be this weakness that can be the problem.

I don't know too much more than that.. nothing specific. And in all honesty, allergies are tricky because people can develop them differently.

[WingedCat]

Thanks for all the info WijitingBoo!

[oldcrow61]

Very informative Wijitingboo. Thanks.