The Basics

Millions of people worldwide are allergic to cats and dogs, and just as many are confused as to what actually causes them to react to a pet.

In cats,  a glycoprotein called Fel d 1, secreted by the sebaceous glands, is the major cat allergen - although cats produce another three known minor allergens.

In dogs, the main culprit is Can d 1, with another five known allergens produced for a total of six! Most allergy sufferers come into contact with these allergens through the animal's skin or saliva. Pet allergens are so small that they can remain airborne for months and are about 10 times smaller than pollen or dust particles.

Symptoms

Pet allergies can play havoc with the eyes, nose, ears, throat, lungs, and skin. The eyes may become red, itchy, watery, or swollen. The nose may itch, run, sneeze, or become congested. The ears may become plugged or itchy. The throat may have post-nasal drip, frequent throat clearing, itching and hoarseness. The lung symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and frequent bronchitis. The skin may develop itchy rashes or hives.

Treatment

As with any allergy, avoidance is the main course of treatment. A pet-allergic individual needs to avoid being around pets at all times. Over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and allergy shots are all ways to treat pet allergy but they remain expensive, time consuming and may have long term health consequences.

The LIFESTYLE PETS hypoallergenic pets

The hypoallergenic cats and dogs produced by LIFESTYLE PETS are a significant new proven alternative to the traditional treatment of pet allergies. People who have lived without the companionship of a cat or dog because of their allergies can now have one of their own without the costs of allergy treatments and the associated health risks of those treatments.

As described previously, pet allergens are potent proteins secreted by the animals' skin and salivary glands. LIFESTYLE PETS has focused on rare naturally occurring genetic divergences (GD) already present in minute group that does not harm to the animals in any way. Our first hypoallergenic pets, the resulting ALLERCA GD cat and the JABARI GD dog are now helping to improve the health and quality of life for millions of pet-allergy sufferers.

While some breeds of cats and dogs have been mistakenly promoted as having less allergen than others (and without any scientific backing), scientists that have tested this hypothesis have shown that all cats and dogs, regardless of breed, produce allergens. In fact, in a recent study by Doris W. Vredegoor et al of the Netherlands on so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds they concluded that "significantly higher Can f 1 (the canine allergen) levels in hair and coat samples were found in dog breeds that were considered hypoallergenic than in other breeds." A copy of the study can be opened by clicking HERE (opens in a new window).

The LIFESTYLE PETS hypoallergenic cats and dogs are the only scientifically-proven pets that helps those individuals with feline and canine allergies  and were developed using proprietary methods under LIFESTYLE PETS's pending patents.

Please read on to discover more about the LIFESTYLE PETS hypoallergenic cat and dog breeds.

 THE ALLERCA GD - US$6,950  

Our standard hypoallergenic cat delivered since 2006, the ALLERCA GD hypoallergenic cat is friendly, playful and affectionate. The ALLERCA GD cat comes in one color/pattern which is a combination of black spots and stripes on a golden background.

ALLERCA  GD cats are medium sized cats with averaging between ten and fifteen pounds (4 to 8 kg). They are fully mature at approximately three years of age and have a long life expectancy.

ALLERCA GD adult

ALLERCA GD youngster

An ALLERCA  GD cat's personality is very sweet and affectionate, thanks in part to our unique socialization program. Customers who own ALLERCA GD cats report that they make great family pets and are wonderful with children.

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THE ASHERA GD - US$27,950

The exotic hypoallergenic ASHERA GD, available since 2007, has the markings and standing of a mini-leopard and grows up to a very large 25 pounds (12 kg) in weight and 3 feet (1m) from tip of tail to nose. The hypoallergenic ASHERA GD is not only truly hypoallergenic, but also one of the world's rarest cats. They are very smart, affectionate, chatty and loyal. General care is the same as any other domestic cat. 

ASHERA GD

ASHERA GD cats do well on a leash

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THE JABARI GD DOG - US$15,950

 The JABARI GD is the latest hypoallergenic pet developed by LIFESTYLE PETS and the perfect companion animal for canine allergy sufferers. And the best news is that that the JABARI GD has proven 100% successful with our dog-allergic owners.

The JABARI GD's have a dark to black base coat with white patches on the chest. The JABARI GD is an affectionate and playful dog, and the ideal size to be enjoyed by everyone in the family. The JABARI GD weighs an average of 12-16 pounds (5.5-7.5 kg) when fully grown.  

JABARI GD puppies (right is Milu, featured below)