Surprised I haven't seen more freaking out about this: Hypo-allergenic cats (1 Viewer)

[Jason Seaver]

A company plans to have a breed of genetically engineered cats that don't set off allergies by 2007. Me, I think this is cool, but you just know some folks are going to go all nutty over this.

Only $3,500 for a kitten whose delivery is three years away. Which is a fair sight more than the one that are, you know, free because your neighbor didn't have her cat spayed.

 

[Patrick_L]

yep, the world needs more cats.

 

[Kenneth]

I actually think this is a good use of genetic technologies. I am sure that there are some people who would benefit from this. And, as long as they keep the animals sterile so we don't have to worry about mixing the cloned cats genetic material with normal cats I think this is fine. If all genetic experiments were handled this carefully I think there would be fewer people so scared of transgenetic plants and animals.

Although, as I put my Frankenstein thinking cap on, I have to wonder if they have considered Mosquitos and the introduction of the modified genetic material into the environment through that means. Probably not a big deal but one does wonder if it was considered.

Kenneth

 

[Dennis Nicholls]

Wouldn't it make more sense to genetically engineer HUMANS not to be allergic to common items in the environment (hay fever allergens, cats, et al.) than to pick on the poor source of the allergens?

 

[Kenneth]

Good idea Dennis. That would be a lot less controversial

Kenneth

 

[ChrisHeflen]

There are too many of us anyway so let 'em experiment.
I'm sure there a a few poeple that would volunteer.

How about this for your new hypo-cat?

http://www.neuticles.com/index1.html

 

[Dave Poehlman]

Well, I've never met anyone who's allergic to cats say, "I really love cats... I wish I wasn't allergic"
I can't see there being a big demand for these cats.
Besides... you want hypo-allergenic cats... order a Sphinx:

 

[Jason Seaver]

Well, I think if they're kept sterile, it will be to maintain control of the supply of allergen-free cats as opposed to any damage this could do to the general housecat population.

 

[Kenneth]

Well, I suspect it is a little of both I think our track record of mixing genetic material has not always been very good, even when it is done through normal means (can you spell Killer Bees ). I think the introduction of genetically modified anything into the environment should be done carefully so we don't create too many exotic new mutations.

Kenneth

 

[Dennis Nicholls]

Actually Sphinx are not hypo-alergenic. The allergen for cats is not the hair but rather the dried saliva dust from their self-grooming.

 

[ChrisHeflen]

You're right. Look at what happened at Jurrasic Park. We're still cleaning that one up.