Cats for those with an allergy

September 15, 2006

A San Diego company says it has begun breeding hypoallergenic cats, just the thing for anyone allergic to the animals.

One such feline, 18-month-old Joshua, was on the set of CBS' Early Show Thursday along with veterinarian Dr. Bernadine Cruz, an Allerca spokesperson. Cats like Joshua sell for roughly $4,000, he said.

Allergic reactions to cats are caused by a protein excreted in cat saliva, skin glands and urine, Cruz said.

Allerca says its researchers harmlessly change the gene that produces the protein so it will make one that provokes less of a reaction in humans.

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