Genetically modified cats could be used to stop allergic owners from sneezing.
Gene-edited cats could prevent allergies
Scientists think it is possible to engineer felines to prevent them from shedding the allergens that make some people sneeze.
Around 15 per cent of people are allergic to cats with the main cause being the protein Fel d 1 - which induces symptoms like that of hay fever.
The allergen is spread over the fur and whiskers from saliva and can cause misery, particularly for people who discover that family members are allergic only after adopting or buying a moggy.
Experts used a gene-editing tool called CRISPR to eliminate two genes that produce the troublesome protein in tissue from 50 spayed and neutered cats.
Scientists are hoping to produce a pet for people with allergies in the next five years.
Dr. Nicole Brackett, who led the study for the US research firm InBio, said: "Our technique does not just reduce symptoms but eliminates the protein which causes allergies completely."