Do hypoallergenic cats and dogs exist?

s t c o n A s e f P l The prevalence of human allergy to pets has increased over the past 6 decades, with the most frequently reported animal sensitivity to cats and dogs. The United States has the highest percentage of household pets in the world, and the numbers continue to increase, with approximately 62% of US households having 1 or more domestic pets. Of the households with cats, 17% of the people who live with them are skin prick test positive to cat extract; that is, they are sensitized to their animal. However, only 5% of those dog owners are dog skin prick test positive, much lower than cat owners. Human diseases most commonly associated with environmental allergens include allergic asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis. Allergens associatedwith these illnesses are low-molecular-weight proteins, or glycoproteins, derived from various plants or animals. In this case, the allergens are derived from the skin particles or flakes that slough from the animal skin. Even when cats or dogs are removed from a household, up to 6 months may be needed before the pet allergen levels become sufficiently low so as not to cause an allergic exacerbation. Many misconceptions persist among physicians, health care professionals, and the general population about pet dander allergy. The notion that a particular cat or dog breed is “hypoallergenic” has the potential to be a lucrative business. Several US-based companies (eg, Mindeelyn Siberian Cats, Siberian Cat Breeder, Allerca Lifestyle Pets, Kitails Siberian Cattery) market “hypoallergenic pets.” However, an Internet search resulted in only 1 company stating they have produced the “world’s first scientifically-proven hypoallergenic cat, followed by a true hypoallergenic dog.” In 2004, Allerca Lifestyle Pets, a company based out of San Diego, California, began to market “hypoallergenic” cats and dogs. Although Allerca does not claim a 100% success rate for all customers, they do state that these pets “allow some of the millions of people with feline or canine allergies to finally enjoy the love and companionship of a