Pets - Designer and Genetically Modified Pets Hit Worldwide Market

Many cat owners must constantly battle with the associate allergies that accompany cat ownership. These owners are willing to pay exorbitant costs and endure the allergy symptoms just to share a relationship with a cat. Because of this demand, several companies have begun taking and fulfilling orders for hypoallergenic cats and other animals for pet lovers who suffer from the accompanying allergies.

These pets, often called lifestyle pets have a potential market of millions of worldwide people and that is just from cat lovers who suffer from allergies. It is believed that up to ten (10) percent of the United States population alone are estimated to be subject to symptoms that can affect the nose, eyes, throat, ears, skin and lungs.

Studies also indicate that cat allergen is also one of the main causes of numerous childhood allergies including asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. Cat allergies are found to be caused by a powerful protein secreted by the cat's salivary glands and skin. Additionally, the allergen is so small it can remain airborne for months.

In a genetically modified cat, a company will use a technique called "gene silencing" to suppress the production of the potent protein that causes the allergies. The cat will not be the first pet to use genetic modification. The GloFish ahs been selling successfully in pet stores for a few years. The GloFish is a zebra fish implanted with a flourescent sea anemone gene causing it to glow at night.

Cat ownership benefits have been proven to reduce stress, decrease blood pressure and decrease symptoms of depression. The U.S. Department of Agriculture nor the Food and Drug Administration objected to the creation of a genetically-engineered pet fish because it wasn't meant for human consumption. Many argue that the cat should be treated the same way.

Designer and genetically engineered pets do have many detractors, however that object to altering the animals genetic makeup. It is not noted, what affect genetic mutations have on the animals systems and psychological makeup. Also, many wonder about the slippery slope designer or genetically modified pets will create with the consumer. The consumer may seek a specific color or size of breed that may not be within the lineage of the breed they are trying to modify.

Designer and genetic pets may provide many allergic cat and dog lovers with the ability to experience, love and care for pets without suffering the ravages of their allergies, however we must take the necessary steps to insure that these pets are safe for us and also the animal should be considered and studied further in order to ensure that this process is safe.

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