Hypoallergenic cats...

[denny]

A company in the US called Allerca has recently released its latest project: hypoallergenic cats. Through genetic manipulation and selective breeding, the scientists have removed the glycoprotein "Fel d 1" from the "ALLERCA GD" cats so that they don't trigger an allergic response which normal cats would in around 10% of the population.


(yoinked from sqrrl101)

Comments

[fellcat.livejournal.com]

Wow! My cousin can have a cat — if she wins the lottery, that is.

[snoof.livejournal.com]

Siberians (that's a cat breed) are already hypo-allergenic. The allergenic substance that causes reactions for most people is caused by a specific protein in the saliva of the cat. Cat cleans itself using tongue + saliva, saliva dries, dander fills the air like a beautiful dance of tiny particles. Allergic reaction.

This protein is missing from Siberian cats' saliva, and very few people are still allergic to them.

I feel like such a nerd lately, can't imagine why...

[fellcat.livejournal.com]

Google says that Siberians act like dogs though, which kind of defeats the point of having a cat.

[snoof.livejournal.com]

They act more like Maine Coons, if that helps any. People will refer to any breed that typically behaves loyally and in a people-centred fashion as "behaving like a dog."

These people are dog-people, and therefore never to be trusted.

[snoof.livejournal.com]

To elaborate on my point in my previous comment, these descriptions also typically call Siberians intelligent.

Not something you can accuse a dog of.

[fellcat.livejournal.com]

Not something that you can accuse any of my three cats of either.

[snoof.livejournal.com]

*grins*

Mine are a rescue who got abused massively, and a stray said rescue decided to bring home. They're astonishingly intelligent, I suspect because they've both had more use for their survival instincts.

When they have a row, the black one sits by the entrance and waits for the white one to stick his nose in, just to scratch his nose.

[dryad-wombat.livejournal.com]

? Cripes! I had no idea!


I love cats, am still hopelessly in love with mine, even though I can't go near her anymore, I'm so allergic (weep).

[snoof.livejournal.com]

That sucks massive testicles :(

Pity of it is that a pedigree is always going to be more expensive than a mog (I prefer moggies myself, just because I have to - I can't go out and buy a cat when I could go to the rescue and find a homeless one).

I'd recommend finding a Siberian breeder and seeing if you can set up a meeting where the only possible allergen would be the Siberians. Just to make sure (my friend Ian has the same problem, except his girlfriend doesn't want a cat unless she can have "the ugliest kitten nobody wants" - apparently the fact that he wouldn't be able to breathe around it doesn't matter overmuch) that you don't have an allergy to them anyway.

Well, and then saving lots of money ;)

[dryad-wombat.livejournal.com]

That's a really good idea. I'll refrain until I have found a happy permanent home for my little fluffy one (whom I haven't seen for months :( ) - dear zotz is looking after her right now. But grahamb and I are passionate about wanting a cat some day, and after I've found a permanent place for LittleCat (her rather unimaginative name ;) I'll pounce on visitng some Siberians to give it a try. They look gloriously fluffy.

I love your icon, btw! Is it your own cat?

[snoof.livejournal.com]

That's my rescue. He's mentally fucked (used to be abused before we got him). He's awesome, his name is Ninja Stealth Cat.

It's awful having to rehome a cat. I've never had to, but I lived in America for 3 years (intending, originally, to stay) and had to leave my two cats there with my ex when I left. It's horrid, and I'm sorry you have to go through it.

[dryad-wombat.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It is indeed entirely devastating. :/

[ninjagirl.livejournal.com]

Korats too :)

[snoof.livejournal.com]

Ooh, good point.

[dryad-wombat.livejournal.com]

Really? Excellent!