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This New ‘Vaccine’ Can Prevent You From Being Allergic To Cats
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This New ‘Vaccine’ Can Prevent You From Being Allergic To Cats

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Let me know if you’re in the same boat as I am. I positively adore cats. But I’m insanely allergic to them. When I pet a catto, I keep sneezing until I look like the survivor of some unknown alien plague that had previously ravaged countless star systems. I start wheezing like I’m 175 years old. Remember the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings? That’s what my eyes look like after any feline so much as glances in my general direction. The pain, oh the existential pain. And all I want to do is snuggle a cat.

Here’s some wonderful ‘mews’ that will make your day. Scientists have invented a ‘vaccine’ for cats that can stop you from experiencing an allergic reaction to these fantastically cuddly and proud creatures. In short, cats are given this injection, so that they produce less of the allergen that makes us sneeze. If that isn’t a cause to celebrate, I don’t know what is. This is liable to bring tears of joy, not tears from allergy symptoms to everyone who loves felines but can’t be around them due to health concerns.

More info: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology | Facebook | Twitter

Image credits: Maica

Image credits: William Brawley

The brilliant minds behind this allergy treatment are worthy of being praised as much as the Ancient Egyptians praised cats. The researchers at the University Hospital Zurich, in the land of chocolate, cows and cuckoo clocks (i.e. Switzerland), published their study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, detailing their HypoCat ‘vaccine’.

Martin Bachmann, one of the researchers who made the cat allergy cure possible, told Bored Panda more about the project. “We have been working on this project for more than five years. Cat allergy is a big problem and very hard on cat owners allergic to cats. So our approach could have important implications.”

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According to Bachmann, the vaccine would become available “sometime in 2022.” “We can’t say an exact price at this point but it’s definitely going to be affordable for pet owners and in-line with other veterinary products,” the researcher gave allergic cat-lovers some good news.

Image credits: findingtheobvious

Image credits: Dmitrii Balabanov

When asked about the sample size for testing the ‘vaccine’, Bachmann replied: “We feel the numbers and conclusions are sufficient to drive our investment in further development. This is also reflected by the fact that JACI the Nr 1 allergy journal, published our study. In 2020, more safety and efficacy testing studies will be initiated.”

Bachmann revealed to Bored Panda that “both the CEO and Chairman have cats. For what it’s worth the latter is allergic and vaccinated his animals and swears it works — not sure if we can eliminate his bias though.” Furthermore, Bachmann hinted that the research team is “initiating” work on a ‘vaccine’ for dogs to produce fewer allergens.

The science behind the Cat allergy ‘vaccine’ is simple enough to understand. Our furry overlords produce the protein Fel d 1, which is one of five allergenic substances that cats produce, according to IFLScience. In the West, around 1 in 10 people lost the lottery and are allergic to this protein, including me. Fortunately, the Swiss tested their HypoCat ‘vaccine’ on 54 cats, which then produced antibodies that could disable Fel d 1. Hooray!

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Image credits: Vyacheslav Buharov

Image credits: thelittleone417

This is one of those situations where everybody wins. This is great news for everyone allergic. This is even better news for our loved ones who can’t stand our constant sniffling and sneezing. And it’s fantastic news for cats because fewer of them will be given away to animal shelters after people or their family members develop allergies to them.

Image credits: Julija Nėjė

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Image credits: Julija Nėjė

However, we should all temper our expectations. Just a tad. This miracle cure is still a way off from making my life (and yours) better. The ‘vaccine’ could be available in the next 3 years, but that’s still a long while to wait. So for now, all of us with allergies will have to make do with looking at wholesome cat posts on Bored Panda.

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Now, if only somebody could get on to inventing ‘vaccines’ for dogs, flowers, fruit trees, and dusty sofas, I could take off my anti-allergy hazmat suit and gasmask…

Image credits: Julija Nėjė

This is what internet users said about the cat ‘vaccine’

 

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willydee avatar
redsongamble avatar
TheExtremeSmell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know those people are crazy! It’s the stuff the government is putting in cat food to give them autism to try and control the population. I recently as at home study ate nothing but cat food for a week and it made me terribly sick. My coat was never shinier however

Load More Replies...
ravinanimje avatar
ravina nimje
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it safe for Cats? They should find vaccinations for humans than cats.

mariarohlen avatar
Maria Rohlen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can actually make a "vaccine" so you don't get problems with your cat and it's you who takes it, not the cat. Not sure about the translation, but it's something called allergen specific immunotherapy.

bebe51679 avatar
E A M
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Weekly shots where you are injected with the allergens your body has a response to with the hopes that, over time, you will become immune to what ever triggers your histamine response.

Load More Replies...
spitcher88 avatar
Hallie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is ridiculous!! Just don't have a cat!! What tf is wrong with people. Is your desire to please yourself stronger than the desire to have a healthy cat?!

dongpavdk avatar
DP von Icecream
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am a bit conflicted with this. While I certainly understand allergic people wanting a cat (or dog). Vaccinating people & pets to protect themselves against harmful diseases.: yes. Doping up a pet for the only reason: so YOU can pet them? I would say: no. Had many cat-pets in my life but I must admit & because of that some friends could not visit, for that I would say: maybe. Maybe it is just that people need to learn/accept they can't have everything their way in life.

larisarus13 avatar
Larisa Rus
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found out I'm allergic 2 years after I've adopted them and my symtopms worsened over time. Is throwing them on the streets better than this vaccine?

Load More Replies...
bebe51679 avatar
E A M
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have 5 cats and found out recently that I am "highly" allergic to them. I just though it was the dust mites... I developed allergy related asthma and an currently getting weekly allergy shots. This "vaccine" would be amazing! However, I wonder if there are any long term side effects for the cats. I would need to see a lot more research and long-terms studies before I would expose my cats to this. I rather be itchy and wheezy than harm my babies in anyway.

oliviag avatar
QueenOlive
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed. I have two wonderful kitties and would have to see more research on what the protein does for the cat, and how removing it would affect them. There's a chance the protein does nothing, but I'd need more research.

Load More Replies...
madcow3417 avatar
madcow 3417
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That poor pregnant woman. It would be awful to have to give up you newborn if it were allergic to cats. The cats are already part of the family so you obviously can't give them up. Thoughts and prayers.

cassiewilliams avatar
Cassie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When can I get this?? I have four kitties, but one really sets off my allergies and she loves to sleep in my bed with my husband before I go to bed. I have to put all kinds of blankets on my bed that I peel off and fold up just to keep my bed usable while still letting her spend time with my husband.

howdylee avatar
howdylee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait... so it only works on each individual cat? So when you go to someone else's house, you'll still be allergic to their cat? And each new cat you get you have to give each one of them the shot? No thanks!

frozengeckolover avatar
Frozengeckolover
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We'll, darn! I was hoping they had come out with a more effective treatment for HUMANS with cat allergies. I have tried everything, and nothing works! My husband and I were separated for a while and when we got back together, he had a cat. At that time, my allergy was mild. It got worse after the cat moved in. I suffered for almost three years, doped up on breathing treatments, inhalers, every allergy medication imaginable. Nothing worked! We finally had to send the cat to live with his mom. My reaction wasn't just sneezing and watery eyes; I can't breathe, I break out all over and I get migraine-like headaches.

ericmacfadden avatar
Eric Mac Fadden
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A dog person, but cats loves me and I'm allergic to them. They're naturally cynic.

juliaartigue avatar
juice
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i hope it's safe...i hate not being able to hug my friends' kitties...

payet_fabienne avatar
Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I rather take the meds than any animal thank you very much! But I'd like something against dog allergies...

demi_zwaan avatar
Demi Zwaan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, what? They vaccinate the CATS to disable a PROTEIN they make, which I'm sure has a job to do, so WE won't be allergic? ARE YOU FREAKING INSANE?!

max198326 avatar
Max M
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is sick. Just plain sick. Stop trying to change animals, if you can't handle them, that sucks, but it is not a right to have animals, it's a luxury. Freaking humans

willydee avatar
redsongamble avatar
TheExtremeSmell
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know those people are crazy! It’s the stuff the government is putting in cat food to give them autism to try and control the population. I recently as at home study ate nothing but cat food for a week and it made me terribly sick. My coat was never shinier however

Load More Replies...
ravinanimje avatar
ravina nimje
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it safe for Cats? They should find vaccinations for humans than cats.

mariarohlen avatar
Maria Rohlen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can actually make a "vaccine" so you don't get problems with your cat and it's you who takes it, not the cat. Not sure about the translation, but it's something called allergen specific immunotherapy.

bebe51679 avatar
E A M
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Weekly shots where you are injected with the allergens your body has a response to with the hopes that, over time, you will become immune to what ever triggers your histamine response.

Load More Replies...
spitcher88 avatar
Hallie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is ridiculous!! Just don't have a cat!! What tf is wrong with people. Is your desire to please yourself stronger than the desire to have a healthy cat?!

dongpavdk avatar
DP von Icecream
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am a bit conflicted with this. While I certainly understand allergic people wanting a cat (or dog). Vaccinating people & pets to protect themselves against harmful diseases.: yes. Doping up a pet for the only reason: so YOU can pet them? I would say: no. Had many cat-pets in my life but I must admit & because of that some friends could not visit, for that I would say: maybe. Maybe it is just that people need to learn/accept they can't have everything their way in life.

larisarus13 avatar
Larisa Rus
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found out I'm allergic 2 years after I've adopted them and my symtopms worsened over time. Is throwing them on the streets better than this vaccine?

Load More Replies...
bebe51679 avatar
E A M
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have 5 cats and found out recently that I am "highly" allergic to them. I just though it was the dust mites... I developed allergy related asthma and an currently getting weekly allergy shots. This "vaccine" would be amazing! However, I wonder if there are any long term side effects for the cats. I would need to see a lot more research and long-terms studies before I would expose my cats to this. I rather be itchy and wheezy than harm my babies in anyway.

oliviag avatar
QueenOlive
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed. I have two wonderful kitties and would have to see more research on what the protein does for the cat, and how removing it would affect them. There's a chance the protein does nothing, but I'd need more research.

Load More Replies...
madcow3417 avatar
madcow 3417
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That poor pregnant woman. It would be awful to have to give up you newborn if it were allergic to cats. The cats are already part of the family so you obviously can't give them up. Thoughts and prayers.

cassiewilliams avatar
Cassie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When can I get this?? I have four kitties, but one really sets off my allergies and she loves to sleep in my bed with my husband before I go to bed. I have to put all kinds of blankets on my bed that I peel off and fold up just to keep my bed usable while still letting her spend time with my husband.

howdylee avatar
howdylee
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait... so it only works on each individual cat? So when you go to someone else's house, you'll still be allergic to their cat? And each new cat you get you have to give each one of them the shot? No thanks!

frozengeckolover avatar
Frozengeckolover
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We'll, darn! I was hoping they had come out with a more effective treatment for HUMANS with cat allergies. I have tried everything, and nothing works! My husband and I were separated for a while and when we got back together, he had a cat. At that time, my allergy was mild. It got worse after the cat moved in. I suffered for almost three years, doped up on breathing treatments, inhalers, every allergy medication imaginable. Nothing worked! We finally had to send the cat to live with his mom. My reaction wasn't just sneezing and watery eyes; I can't breathe, I break out all over and I get migraine-like headaches.

ericmacfadden avatar
Eric Mac Fadden
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A dog person, but cats loves me and I'm allergic to them. They're naturally cynic.

juliaartigue avatar
juice
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i hope it's safe...i hate not being able to hug my friends' kitties...

payet_fabienne avatar
Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I rather take the meds than any animal thank you very much! But I'd like something against dog allergies...

demi_zwaan avatar
Demi Zwaan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, what? They vaccinate the CATS to disable a PROTEIN they make, which I'm sure has a job to do, so WE won't be allergic? ARE YOU FREAKING INSANE?!

max198326 avatar
Max M
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is sick. Just plain sick. Stop trying to change animals, if you can't handle them, that sucks, but it is not a right to have animals, it's a luxury. Freaking humans

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