Allerca, a company in California, claims to be the producer of the "first scientifically-proven hypoallergenic cats."

The company emphasizes that these cats are specially bred without using any genetic engineering.

The researchers and scientists at Allerca found that a glycoprotein found in the fur, skin, saliva, serum, urine, mucous, salivary glands and hair roots of most cats is the cause for human allergic reactions.

Simply put, the company began the search for enough of these cats, who do not carry this glycoprotein, to breed them. Only approximately one cat in 50,000 do not carry this glycoprotein.

It is estimated that nearly one of three people has some extent of allergic reaction to cats. However, some people who have severe allergies may still experience problems with these specially-bred cats as well.

Nonetheless, the demand for these hypoallergenic kittens is expected to skyrocket. In fact, there is already a waiting list, and because of the high demand for the kittens, Allerca is currently unable to honor any special requests for gender or color.

Included in the hefty prepurchase price tag of $3950 due on ordering is all completed and up-to-date vaccinations at delivery of the kitten at 12 weeks of age, a mandatory neutering or spaying, and an implanted microchip for identification prior to shipping, which is to begin in early 2007.

The Allerca website indicates that there is a processing and transportation fee of $995, which is due eight weeks before delivery of the kitten. This fee covers the cost of a special private jet courier versus standard commercial air shipments, and the hand delivery of the kitten to the nearest Allerca certified veterinarian for customer pick up. The company could not be reached before publication of this article to determine if this fee is charged in addition to the $3950 price tag or not.

Allerca also offers a premium feature for an additional fee of $1,950 payable at the time of ordering for customers who want to reduce the waiting period. The average waiting period is two years or more, which can be reduced down to a few months instead. According to the company, "Allerca allocates a very small quantity of kittens to this program so as not to readily affect delivery to those customers who have already purchased and await their kittens."