New Hypoallergenic Cats Give New Hope to Animal Lovers with Cat Allergies
If you are allergic to cats, you’re not alone. Cat allergens are the most common causers of allergy symptoms, much to the disappointment of many cat lovers. Now, thanks to Allerca, there is hope for kitty adorers who don’t adore the stuffy noses and watery eyes that cats can cause. Allerca, a San Diego, CA-based company concerned with animal and bio-ethics, has produced a line of hypoallergenic cat.
Most cat allergies are triggered by a glycoprotein, referred to as Fel d1, that is found in cats’ saliva, urine, and even secreted through the skin. This is not the only allergen to which people with allergies to cats react, but it is the most important one, and removing the major allergen is expected to have a noticeable effect on the overall reactivity,” explains Sandra Diaz, DVM, MS of the New York City Veterinary Specialists. What makes Allerca’s cats hypoallergenic is a naturally occurring mutation that changes the protein. After three years of research, Allerca has perfected the process of identifying this genetic change. These cats are not bio-engineered in any way; the gene that is present in hypoallergenic cats is detected through DNA testing, which requires a simple cheek swab. If the gene is detected, then the cats can either be introduced into Allerca’s breeding program or found a new home with a formerly cat-allergic family.
The truly fortunate aspect of this gene is that it is dominant, so the gene does not have to be carried by both parents in order for offspring to express the hypoallergenic trait. This means that the breeding line for Allerca’s cats can be kept open, avoiding the numerous health risks of frequent inbreeding. Other than being safe for most people with allergies, Allerca’s cats are no different from other felines, with the same health needs, life spans, and preferences as your typical house cat. The Allerca cats are typically medium-haired and come with many different coat patterns.
So, is an Allerca hypoallergenic kitty the right pet for you? Well, first you have to consider if you can afford the hefty price tag: $3,950. And that’s if you don’t pay extra to move up on the yearlong waiting list. The price covers not only your 12-week-old kitten, who has been meticulously socialized, but also neutering, up-to-date vaccinations, microchip implant, a home allergy test, and a year of Pets Best insurance, along with a kitten starter pack that includes food, toys, and nail caps. Nail Caps are acrylic nail covers that prevent cats from scratching without declawing and should be safe, though Dr. Diaz warns, “As with any product applied to the skin, there is potential risk of developing a hypersensitivity reaction. I would recommend applying the glue to small area and observing for any possible reaction before using them.“ The cost of an Allerca cat is also far less than the home modifications many cat-owners must make to control their allergies.
Allerca’s spokeswoman, Bernadine Cruz, DVM, author of The Secret Sex Life of Cats and Dogs, stresses that Allerca’s chief concern is the well being of these cats. Allerca will deliver your kitten to your vets office instead of you home, so that you can get an immediate start on your relationship with your vet and have another check on your new pet’s health. Allerca will also find a new home for your hypoallergenic kitty if in the end it does not work out. And remember, these cats are not non-allergenic, so it’s important to take the home allergy test to see if an Allerca cat is the answer to your allergy question.
-Victoria Harkavy
-Joshua, one of Allerca’s hypoallergenic (and photogenic) cats.
(Photo by Julie Chytrowsky)
