Many people are allergic to cats and dogs, or more frequently the dust, pollen and other allergens which cats and dogs may bring into the home on their coats. Although animal-caused allergies aren't pleasant for anyone, they're doubly a curse for animal lovers. The symptoms of allergies, whether caused by pets or environmental allergens, include itchy, watery eyes, stuffy or runny nose, and breathing difficulties. On the bright side, pet allergies are very rarely serious, but can be extremely inconvenient, and may worsen with exposure.

Because of the large numbers of animal lovers who are deprived of pet companionship due to allergies, a San Diego company named Allerca has made available a new breed ? Allerca GD, a hypoallergenic cat. In deciding how to accomplish the goal of finding a hypoallergenic feline, Allerca had two options ? manipulate the animal's genetic code or isolate the "allergy gene" if there was such a thing, and selectively breed for it. Since genetic engineering is unpalatable to many people, and since these techniques can often introduce unexpected side effects, Allerca opted to selectively breed cats with a particular gene sequence which indicated low levels of allergen production.

The company's website says that "In recent exposure trials, individuals with known feline allergies were fully exposed to the Allerca GD cats without demonstrating any allergic reactions." It also indicates that when the same folks were exposed to non-Allerca cats, they experienced a host of traditionally expected allergy symptoms.

However, the cost of these cats is around $4,000USD, and there is presently a waiting list of around two years. So if you want to spend less money or wish to have a pet sooner, there are a number of strategies to reduce allergy exposure and decrease the occurrence of your symptoms, including frequent baths (for the pet) and home air filters. If you set a regular bath time for your pet, even the most hydrophobic of cats will eventually get used to it, and just this bathing can reduce your exposure to pollen and other irritants as well as pet odors.

A whole-home HEPA air filter will improve indoor air quality overall, separating out many of the allergenic substances from both inside and out, potentially allowing you to enjoy your pet's company in relative comfort.

Additionally, before considering giving Fluffy to a new home, get yourself and your family tested ? it's possible that you're allergic to an environmental pollutant such as pollen or even smog, or that a food allergy is actually to blame for your symptoms. Living with allergies may not be easy, but it doesn't have to be miserable. With a bit of work and the help of an allergist, you can enjoy pets, food, and outdoor activities without allergies.

Christine Arbor is an avid pet lover, and a regular contributing writer for topsellingpetsupplies.com ? an online guide to cat carriers, pet microchipping, natural pet food and more.