Cat walking Scientists in the United States have invented a way of dealing with cat allergies that could, one day, lead to a cure. A part-cat, part-human protein successfully cured several mice of their allergy to cats. The mice had been bred specifically to be allergic to cats, and within a month of treatment were free of their allergy. In Britain, it is thought 30 per cent of adults and 40 per cent of children suffer from some sort of allergy. This breakthrough could be expanded to develop cures for other allergies, some of which have deadly consequences. Caroline Reay, head veterinary surgeon at The Blue Cross, says: “This development could potentially be good news, not only for people but also for many animals (cats included) who suffer from allergies. “It will make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of allergy essential, so the many people who are "told" they are allergic to cats - without an accurate and specific diagnosis - may not in fact need to rehome their pets at all.” The research requires several more years of development, and it is worth emphasising that there are many people who, despite being allergic to cats, keep them as pets. There are lots of things you can do to reduce exposure to cat allergens even if you have a cat. For more information on caring for your cat, |