LOS ANGELES: A San Diego-based biotech firm claimed it has bred hypoallerengic cats -- cats that do not cause allergy in humans. The firm, Allerca Inc., said it has succeeded in selectively breeding such cats which do not carry a type of protein that trigger allergic reactions in humans.
Allerca said these types of cats are now for sale and may cost $3950. There is already a waiting list to get one. These cats will not cause allergies like red eyes, sneezing and even asthma that are usually associated with cats.
Allerca said it tested several species of cats trying to identify those which do not carry the protein -- glycoprotein Fel d1-- which is usually present in the animal's saliva, fur and skin and which induces the allergic reaction. These cats were then selectively bred to produce the hypoallergenic kittens.
A company official described the process as a natural gene divergence within the cat DNA. One out of 50,000 cats will have this natural divergence, he said.
The company identified and bred these natural divergent cats. There is no modification of the gene, he added.
Allerca is selling the kittens spayed or neutered. There will also be a microchip installed as pet insurance.
Animal rights activists are protesting such breeding saying these cats are prone to health problems like deafness, blindness and physical deformities.
