Experience Hypoallergenic Cats with ALLERCA: No Allergy Treatments Needed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implications of ALLERCA's hypoallergenic cats, focusing on the genetic manipulation intended to eliminate allergens. Participants explore potential effects on the cats themselves, as well as the consequences for their owners. The scope includes ethical considerations, health ramifications, and behavioral changes resulting from this biotechnology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express optimism about hypoallergenic cats as a solution for allergy sufferers, noting the potential to eliminate allergens at the source.
  • Others raise concerns about the health implications for the cats due to genetic manipulation, suggesting that the long-term effects are unknown and may be overlooked in the rush to market.
  • One participant humorously speculates about the potential changes in behavior and abilities of the cats, questioning how being hypoallergenic might affect their instincts and interactions with humans.
  • There is a recurring theme of uncertainty regarding the consequences of genetic engineering on both the cats and their owners, with some participants suggesting that these changes could lead to unexpected behaviors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views regarding the benefits and risks associated with hypoallergenic cats, with some expressing enthusiasm and others voicing skepticism and concern.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of long-term studies on the health and behavioral impacts of genetically engineered cats, as well as the dependence on assumptions about the effects of gene manipulation.

Ivan Seeking
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...ALLERCA's hypoallergenic cats will be a significant new alternative to the traditional treatment of cat allergies given that it eliminates the allergen at its source. Researchers will use patented biotechnology to suppress the allergen-producing gene in cats. For the first time, people who have been unable to own a cat because of their allergies will be able to have a pet of their own without the associated risks and costs of allergy treatments. [continued]
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041026/phtu021_1.html

On the down side, the designer cats are expected to have a zigzag scar on their foreheads, bolts in their necks, and to respond to the name Herman.
 
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Interesting. But I can't help but wonder what this effect this gene manipulation will have on the cats themselves. Nature made puddy tats the way they are with good reason, I'm sure. I don't think we can completely understand all the ramifications until long-term studies are done. But in this case, that probably won't happen. They'll just rush these designer cats out to market and worry about any health consequences for the cats later.
 
It's not clear what being hypoallergenic will do to a cat's sense of direction, as this seems to be connected to some compass-like organ in their brains that allows them to steer directly to the most allergic person around.

And besides the consequences for the cats, what about consequences for the owners? Genetically engineered cats might have an even greater ability to be underfoot at the worst possible moment—they might end up with the ability to actually teleport in front of you when you have armloads of grocery bags rather than just seeming to.

Also, being hypoallergenic, these cats won't have that nagging suspicion that there might (however unlikely it may seem) be an actual reason someone isn't paying attention to them when that's what they want, and thus any fleeting sense that sitting on top of someone's magazine or computer keyboard might not be welcome would be removed.
 
plover said:
It's not clear what being hypoallergenic will do to a cat's sense of direction, as this seems to be connected to some compass-like organ in their brains that allows them to steer directly to the most allergic person around.

And besides the consequences for the cats, what about consequences for the owners? Genetically engineered cats might have an even greater ability to be underfoot at the worst possible moment—they might end up with the ability to actually teleport in front of you when you have armloads of grocery bags rather than just seeming to.

Also, being hypoallergenic, these cats won't have that nagging suspicion that there might (however unlikely it may seem) be an actual reason someone isn't paying attention to them when that's what they want, and thus any fleeting sense that sitting on top of someone's magazine or computer keyboard might not be welcome would be removed.

Now i miss my cat. Thanks a lot jerk.