From Ingrid E. Newkirk, President, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Contrary to your story
(7 July, p 12),
people who “love cats” don’t advocate
the development of transgenic ones. They go to the animal refuge and offer a
loving home to an abandoned cat.
If one is allergic to cats and does not wish to take medication, here is a
simple five-point plan: 1. Make sure your home is well ventilated. 2. Use a wet
vacuum cleaner. These pick up shed skin and hair better than dry ones. 3. Have
someone else brush the cat gently and regularly, or do it yourself wearing
gloves and a face mask. 4. Feed the cat a nutritious diet to prevent excessive
hair shedding, and one with a little oil in it to prevent flaky skin. 5. Adjust.
Many people’s allergic reactions fade with time.
Too much effort? Then get a ready-made transgenic cat, also known as a “dog”,
from the dogs’ home instead. It’s too bad that the development of a human who
isn’t selfish and oblivious to the plight of animals is still science
fiction.
Norfolk, Virginia
