A US biotech firm have just taken reservations for the worlds first hypoallergenic cats. I’m honestly not sure if I should be sickened by this or not – doesn’t it smack just a little of designer pets?
jackieplage.com
Jackie's Virtual Playground
A US biotech firm have just taken reservations for the worlds first hypoallergenic cats. I’m honestly not sure if I should be sickened by this or not – doesn’t it smack just a little of designer pets?
Even though it’s from a biotech firm, there’s no scary altering of genes and stuff. They’re just breeding the cats that doesn’t carry the gene.
We’ve been doing that for thousands of years with cows, pigs, dogs and… cats. I don’t really think this is an ethical issue, and all that stuff.
I see no ethical problems with that, genetic engineering or not. Genetic engineering is no different from selective breeding, only slower ;)
I want cats that glow in the dark damnit!
I know they’re not genetically modified, but it still doesn’t feel right to me. If you’re that badly allergic to cats, don’t damn well get one!
I mean what happens if the cat is allergic to humans? They can’t run out and get a hypoallergenic human.
I’m all for hypoallergenic pillows and duvets, but cats??!!!
Incidentally, I’m mildly allergic to cats myself. My own cats sometimes make my eyes run and give me the sniffles. Luckily it’s not that bad that I can’t live with it, but I’m not without sympathy for those who aren’t so lucky.
The cats you own today are probably the result of selective breeding (i.e. genetic engineering) – most domesticated animals are. I’d say that breeding cats to be hypoallergenic is a much more sensible goal than say, breeding cats with bushy tails and blue eyes, no?
Hmm…you do have a point. I guess my gut reaction just told me this was wrong.
I mean I don’t have a problem with genetic engineering in a medical context as such, this just sounded too much like a ‘perfect pet to order for the rich and famous’ concept to me.
I will concede on this one though. :)