There's a new hope for cat allergy sufferers — the CRISPR cat

You have probably noticed that we love cats here in our columns. They are lovable, devious and playful. But did you know they are a major source of allergies? That’s right — up to 15 percent of the population is allergic to cats — that’s over 45 million Americans. Cat allergies are responsible for more than 300,000 emergency care visits and about a half million asthma attacks annually. Most people with allergies experience nasal congestion, a runny nose and eye redness and itching. It can also lead to the more serious condition you recognize as asthma. The current treatment for these allergy attacks is antihistamines and decongestants, which aim to control the immune response to the allergen, reducing symptoms.

The major allergen that triggers allergies to cats has been identified. The culprit is Fel d 1. It is a small protein present in cat salvia and secreted through the skin through sweat glands. Scientists assume that all cats produce at least some of this protein, although in different amounts for different cats. Levels of the protein can even change daily in the same cat. When a cat licks and washes its fur, it spreads the protein allergen onto the fur. After it dries, the proteins can become airborne as the cat moves around, rubs on things, or, yes, when you pet it. When these tiny proteins reach your nose and eyes, your problems begin.