Nestlé Purina Pet Care has unveiled LiveClear, a breakthrough formula of cat food designed to address one of the most common animal-origin allergies in humans—cat allergies. This innovative product represents a decade of research and offers a new, scientifically backed approach to managing cat allergens without impacting the cat’s physiology.
Cat allergies primarily stem from Fel d 1, a protein found in cat saliva and sebaceous glands, which is spread onto the cat’s fur during grooming. Traditional methods of managing cat allergies, such as limiting exposure, medication, immunotherapy, and environmental cleaning, have had varied success in addressing the root cause of the allergens.
Purina’s research team discovered that an egg product ingredient containing antibodies to Fel d 1 could bind to this allergen in the cat’s saliva, preventing it from causing allergic reactions in sensitised individuals. This novel approach does not interfere with the natural production of Fel d 1 but neutralises its allergenic potential after it is produced, before it is spread into the environment.
When cats were fed a diet containing the egg product ingredient with anti-Fel d 1 IgY, significant reductions in active Fel d 1 levels in the cats’ saliva were observed within three weeks. A comprehensive study found that 97% of cats experienced a decrease in active Fel d 1 levels, with an average reduction of 47%. These reductions in the allergen’s activity translate to lower levels of active Fel d 1 in the environment, thereby reducing allergic symptoms in humans.
A crossover study involving human participants allergic to cats demonstrated significantly reduced nasal and ocular symptoms when exposed to hair and dander from cats fed the test diet, compared to a control diet.
“LiveClear offers a transformative approach to managing cat allergens, enabling cat owners to maintain a meaningful relationship with their pets without the adverse effects of allergies,” states Marianne Lomberg, Veterinarian and Business Executive Officer for Purina in South Africa. “This innovation allows healthcare providers to offer proactive solutions to cat-allergic patients, focusing on reducing allergen exposure without the emotional and physical toll of allergy symptoms or having to get rid of their beloved pet.”
This new approach has profound implications for both veterinary and human medical fields. By incorporating LiveClear into their dietary regimen, cat owners can reduce their allergen exposure significantly, potentially lowering the reliance on medications and other traditional allergy management techniques.
South African singer, Mike Huff, whose wife is a cat lover with 3 kitties, says that LiveClear has been a game changer for him and their cats. “Since having this cat food, it’s been a total miracle. I’ve been able to pet the cats and they sleep on my lap and for me, there’s absolutely no effect. It’s been extraordinary,” says Huff. “With musicals being my main source of income, it’s so important that I am able to keep my voice strong and clear. Since putting the cats on to this food, I have none of my usual allergy symptoms, there’s absolutely no effect.” – Mike Huff
Purina ProPlan’s LiveClear is poised to revolutionise the management of cat allergies, bringing relief to millions of cat owners worldwide. For healthcare providers both human and car, this development offers a new avenue for treating patients with cat allergies, promoting a healthier and more harmonious coexistence between humans and their feline companions.
