New Cat Allergy Vaccine Stops Itches and Sneezes at Source

Do you suffer from cat allergies? Or perhaps you’re allergic to some cats but not others? Then you may be in luck… HypoCat is a new cat vaccine causing a bit of a stir. Unlike cat allergy shots that help desensitise humans, this vaccine will work at the source of the allergen (Fel d 1) and be given directly to cats.

That’s right, scientists have invented a cat allergy vaccine that cats can take to make them less likely to give their pet parents allergies.

We love you, science!

Find out more about how HypoCat could give you the green light to safely snuggle with your favourite feline.

What is the HypoCat vaccine?

The HypoCat vaccine helps a cat’s own immune system fight the protein that causes allergies in humans.

The brilliant minds behind the vaccine are scientists from Saiba Animal Health (formerly HypoPet AG). They’ve developed the HypoCat vaccine by targeting Fel d 1. This is a protein in cat saliva that happens to be the main culprit behind most cat allergies (more on that further down)…

Researchers say the cat allergy in human subjects is usually caused by the major cat allergen Fel d 1 and is found in approximately 10% of the Western population.

“We developed a new strategy to treat Fel d 1–induced allergy in human subjects by immunizing cats against their own major allergen, Fel d 1.”

Essentially the HypoCat vaccine works by inducing anti–Fel d 1 neutralizing antibodies in cats. It uses antibodies that bind with the Fel d 1 protein to lower the allergy inducing effect in humans.

Is the HypoCat cat allergy vaccine safe for cats?

The scientists developing the HypoCat vaccine safely tested it on 54 cats. Not only do the results prove its ability to disable Fel d 1 but cats seem to tolerate it well.

The scientists say that “no signs of toxicity have been seen in any of the more than 50 cats immunized thus far. Thus targeting Fel d 1 by induction of antibodies through vaccination in cats can be judged to be safe and well tolerated thus far.”

“The vaccine was well tolerated and had no overt toxic effect. All cats induced a strong and sustained specific IgG antibody response.”

In the studies, each cat was given three doses of the HypoCat vaccine over nine weeks. This meant getting an injection in their hind leg. And, for some feline participants, a follow booster six months later.

By now we pretty much all know what vaccines feel like. Not to mention those follow up booster shots down the line… The HypoCat vaccine injections may have involved some ‘meowches’ that felt like a quick bee sting. But other than this they were completely painless and safe with no side effects.

Blood samples from the vaccinated cats were mixed with blood samples from humans diagnosed with cat allergies. The reveal: fewer allergy-related chemical reactions than usual.

When will the HypoCat vaccine be available?

If you’re allergic to cats your next question is probably ‘is the HypoCat vaccine available yet?’ While the answer unfortunately is no, it appears to be imminent.

After years of research, clinical trials and successful results, the chief executive officer of Saiba Animal Health, Gary Jennings, says HypoCat may be available in 2024. Roll-out would begin in the United States. But like the recent jab we’ve all just had, it shouldn’t take too long to reach our shores once that happens.

The promise of a cat allergy vaccine being available in New Zealand is encouraging for many pet parents. It’s also good news for the feline community as they’ll be able to enjoy more TLC. Considering many cats end up abandoned or neglected due because humans are allergic to them, we hope this will help improve their lives too. Speaking of which, read three reasons to adopt an adult cat from a shelter.

Why are some people allergic to cats?

If you’re allergic to cats (or some but not others, as is often the case), your body’s defence system is sort of mixing signals. Our immune systems tend to be great at fighting off germs, but when encountering allergens they can go a bit haywire.

Cats are amazing creatures. We know it and so do they. Unfortunately some of their allergens can be pesky for certain people. As mentioned, a major culprit is a protein called Fel d 1. This is in cat saliva, urine and even on their skin.

When cats groom themselves they’re essentially giving themselves a good all-over spread of Fel d 1. Naturally, this is where the trouble starts.

Your immune system’s false alarm

If you’re allergic to cats and you come into contact with these tiny allergenic proteins then your immune system mistakenly thinks they’re harmful invaders. Like bacteria or viruses. for example. Your immune system releases chemicals in response (like histamines) to protect you.

It’s like a false alarm but the body reacts as if it’s under attack. Your immune system means well, it’s just sort of not reading the room accurately.

Histamine and other chemicals cause all sorts of allergic reactions, which can make people feel downright uncomfortable. Sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny noses and even skin rashes are some of the common symptoms for those allergic to cats.

No wonder people are desperate for a cat allergy vaccine!

Cat allergy shots could provide relief

As we wait with bated breath for HypoCat vaccine to arrive, in the meantime some people are finding success with immunotherapy. While the HypoCat vaccine is given to cats, immunotherapy consists of cat allergy shots given to people.

These cat allergy shots contain small doses of the cat antigen and basically get your immune system used to them. It’s about teaching your body to slowly recognise these proteins as harmless over time.

Other cat allergy combatants

HypoCat vaccine researchers say, “Allergic patients usually try to avoid cats or treat their allergy symptoms.” Adding that it “would not only help the human but also help the cat because of an improved relationship with the owner, which is a new concept within movements like One Health.”

Pre-HypoCat, there are still steps you can take to reduce that pesky Fel d 1 protein reaction:

1. Use nasal irrigation to keep your nose and sinuses free of fly-away fluff like dander. A saline solution will do the trick.
2. Look for an allergen reducing pet food – read our pet nutrition and pet food insights for guidance.
3. Keep your home squeaky clean. Vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter to trap those pesky allergens that love to play hide-and-seek in your carpets.
4. Dusting is your ally! Grab a microfibre cloth or a feather duster to capture those rogue allergens lurking on surfaces.
5. Designate a sacred space for yourself, a cosy cat-free zone where you can retreat when the allergies strike. For instance, keep your bedroom off-limits to your feline friend, giving you an allergen-free oasis to recharge.
6. Regularly wash your hands and face to remove any lingering allergens.
7. Groom your cat regularly to reduce the amount of allergens they carry around. Brush their fur to help keep their dander levels in check.
8. Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture airborne allergens and keep the air you breathe as fresh as a daisy.

Here are some more useful tips:

Why am I allergic to some cats but not others?

If you’re among the many people who are allergic to some cats but not others there could be a range of reasons. For one, perhaps your immune system has learnt to recognise the proteins a particular cat produces. Or it could be you have a cat that produces less Fel d 1 naturally.

Certain breeds are known for this. Although they can still cause cat allergies, producing less Fel d 1 does mean a lower chance of doing so. This could potentially mean you experience no allergies at all. Or it might just mean the volume on those cat allergies isn’t quite as loud.

Cats that produce lower levels of Fel d 1 are often called hypoallergenic cats.

Want to find out more about pet allergies? Check out our resources:

• Cat and Dog Allergies: Why It Happens and How to Deal!
• Are Burmilla Cats as Hypoallergenic as They Are Rare?
• Rebel the Staffordshire Bull Terrier X Gets Allergies

Award winning insurance for a soft landing

Now that we’ve explored how to keep humans safe from cat allergies through a cat allergy vaccine, immunotherapy and more, let’s look at keeping your pet safe too.

Cat insurance can help pay for a myriad of pet medical costs from X-rays and surgery to medicine and more. Just like us, our cats can easily get sick or hurt. Just like doctors, vets need to be highly skilled and use costly equipment so the bills can quickly rack up.

Unlike human medical bills, vet bills aren’t subsidised but you can wisely protect your pet and your pocket in one fell swoop. Plus, if you sign up for a PD Insurance pet plan online we’ll give you one or more months FREE. Click to start your award winning pet insurance quote today.