Smooth, Here is a study like that: Exposure to Dogs and Cats in Early Life May Decrease Risk of Allergic Sensitization and Asthma

This study may be true, and I am no lover of cats, having one that pukes regularly on our carpet, but I do remember reading of another study not too long ago which said that children who grow up in homes with dogs and/or cats have better immune systems and fewer alleries than those who aren't around pets. It may seem counter-intuitive, but living in a sterile environment causes more allergies than living in a filthy environment. What we need is more aerosolized dried cat spit in the air.

"The contamination of carpets by micro-organisms and endotoxins was inferior to the mean rates detected in domestic dusts," said Dr Nicole Nolard, who led the research.

Translation : "Your house is a minibeast-and-deadly-chemical-cocktail-ridden death-trap; take refuge in your local multiplex RIGHT NOW if you want to survive." Is she being paid by Hollywood?

hornsofthedevil: Right here, in front of everyone, look me in the eye and SWEAR you are NOT affiliated in ANY way with a cat slobber lobbyist or special interest group.

that has to be THEE STUPIDEST thing i have read in years. What of pollen, or dust, or the latest discovery- that roaches trigger allergies. Are all these things carried around on people.
I refuse to believe humans have become this sensitive and fragile and i'll put my own common sense against an MIT degree any day of the week.

I'd like to see a study that links scientist's long hours inside sanitized, flourescent lit labs with premature senility.

when i was a kid my mom thought i was allergic to cats (tragedy!) but the doctor said it was actually grass and pollen they were bringing in from outdoors on their fur.

Most people who think they're alergic to cats are infact alergic to fleas.

Anyway, decent airconditioning and filters would solve this and a whole heap of other public health issues.

As someone who regularly uses a public library, I've been amazed at the extras the books often contain. Most common is food particles and stains. But second place is cat hair. I try to avoid books with pictures of cats on the cover or cat-related words in the title and that helps, but still I come across books with almost wads of the stuff.

Yes, our plan will soon come to fruition, won't it, Fluffy, hmmmm?

Non-aerosolized moggy-slobber, which occasionally surfaces in these B^B^ discussion forums, cannot be snuffled up as readily, but you never can be too careful.

Remember to cook civets well, to kill the SARS.

All the more reason we need to hunt them; it'll keep their numbers in check.

Cat: the other white meat.