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Allergy-free cat is not to be sneezed at By Ben Fenton in Washington

A GENETICALLY modified cat that allows allergic humans to own the animal without sneezing will be produced in America within two years, a pet-cloning company claimed yesterday.

The hypoallergenic animals, guaranteed not to irritate even the most sensitive person's respiratory tract, will be modified clones produced by Transgenic Pets of Syracuse, New York. The process would mark a step forward in the science of modifying domestic animals.

Some companies are already offering to clone beloved pets, but the new project is thought to be the first with the aim of altering their characteristics. Dr Xiangzhong Yang, of the University of Connecticut, who is conducting research for the company, said: "We feel confident that by 2003 we will be able to produce an allergen-free cat."

Dr David Avner, a medical doctor, set up Transgenic Pets with his wife Jackie because both of them love cats but are allergic to them.

The process of producing a cat that does not provoke sneezing fits, rashes or runny eyes will involve removing the Fe1 d1 gene. This is the part of the animal's genetic make-up responsible for producing a protein that helps keep a cat's skin moist, but is also the cause of allergic reactions.

The cats are likely to cost £535 to £710 each and will be neutered before sale.

-- Anonymous, June 27, 2001