Dog Community

$4000 hypo-allergenic cats

Posted : 9/25/2006 5:59:03 PM

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=116&art_id=qw1159217280324B225

Los Angeles - An American company on Monday began offering what it touted as the world's first hypo-allergenic cats - felines bred without the specific gene protein that causes allergies in sensitive humans.

The cats cost $4 000 and can be ordered over the Internet for delivery in early 2007.

The animals were developed by scientists at the San Diego-based company Allerca using natural breeding techniques. According to company spokesperson Stephen May, scientists identified the protein "Fel d1" as the cause of allergies and then found a female with extremely low levels of the protein to start its breeding programme.

In clinical tests, her kitten, named Joshua, did not trigger allergic reactions in people who are usually sensitive to cats. Allerca believes that allergic cat lovers will pay a small fortune for the special pets.

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

The kittens will be sold spayed or neutered and will also come with a microchip installed as pet insurance.

Roxie865

Posted : 9/25/2006 10:58:50 PM

ORIGINAL: sooner

[linkhttp://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=116&art_id=qw1159217280324B225]http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=116&art_id=qw1159217280324B225[/link]

Los Angeles - An American company on Monday began offering what it touted as the world's first hypo-allergenic cats - felines bred without the specific gene protein that causes allergies in sensitive humans.

The cats cost $4 000 and can be ordered over the Internet for delivery in early 2007.

The animals were developed by scientists at the San Diego-based company Allerca using natural breeding techniques. According to company spokesperson Stephen May, scientists identified the protein "Fel d1" as the cause of allergies and then found a female with extremely low levels of the protein to start its breeding programme.

In clinical tests, her kitten, named Joshua, did not trigger allergic reactions in people who are usually sensitive to cats. Allerca believes that allergic cat lovers will pay a small fortune for the special pets.

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

The kittens will be sold spayed or neutered and will also come with a microchip installed as pet insurance.

[:@] I hate this!

I honestly cannot figure people out ... excuse me while I vomit from the glowing idiocy.

Xebby

Posted : 9/25/2006 11:01:16 PM

umm... lets just breed cat right out of the cat.

sooner

Posted : 9/25/2006 11:06:27 PM

Not to mention ordering them over the internet unseen and untested.

Roxie865

Posted : 9/25/2006 11:27:14 PM

ORIGINAL: sooner

Not to mention ordering them over the internet unseen and untested.

I'm sure they have a list of fools -- I mean ...clients to purchase these "cats".

jennie_c_d

Posted : 9/25/2006 11:29:49 PM

What? Devon Rex and Sphinx weren't good enough????

I'm not allergic to Bengals, FWIW. I've heard the same, from quite a few people.

anne

Posted : 9/26/2006 10:44:54 AM

I admit it is outrageous but at least they are being sold spayed/neutered and microchipped. I cant really complain about that.

One of the biggest problems I have with the "hypo allergenic" dogs is that they are sold without spay/netuer contracts or microchips. So anyone can breed them.

whatsh0uldmyl0ginbe?

Posted : 9/26/2006 11:23:51 AM

ORIGINAL: sooner

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

Umm...why not a poodle, Bichon or hairless cat? Sheesh..[:@]

Stephanie Book

Posted : 9/26/2006 1:44:44 PM

Or, if they really wanted a cat, there are shots you can get to keep you from having the allergic reactions, and I'm sure that doesn't cost $4,000 [8|]

fuzzy_dogs_mom

Posted : 9/26/2006 2:34:54 PM

I think if I had an extra $4,000 and nothing better to do with it than buy a *designer* cat, I'd donate it to the shelter. [:@]

Joyce

Caprice Christian

Posted : 9/26/2006 4:27:32 PM

ORIGINAL: jennie_c_d

What? Devon Rex and Sphinx weren't good enough????

I'm not allergic to Bengals, FWIW. I've heard the same, from quite a few people.

You have allergies to cats and you aren't allergic to Bengals??? Hmmm.....
I heard the same about siamese cats, but I went to a breeder and hung out at her house to see how I would react and I had a MAJOR reaction! DARN IT!

jennie_c_d

Posted : 9/26/2006 9:51:22 PM

You have allergies to cats and you aren't allergic to Bengals??? Hmmm.....

It is true! Some Siamese bug me, and others don't. I'd never walk into a house full of cats. That would be asking for it[

] I'd ask the breeder to bring a clean cat to me, a few times, and let it get on my face. That's what I did with the Bengals. I let them rub all over my face. No reaction, at all. I do NOT have serious cat allergies. I just get stuffy, teary eyed, sneezy, and mildly swollen. My haphazard test would obviously NOT be a good idea, if cats made you stop breathing[

]