Special Report: Allergy free pets

Judy Smith, allergic to cats
"I got the hives, the itchy watery eyes and runny nose."

Judy Smith of Watertown has been allergic to cats, since she was a child. But she's never stopped wanting one of her own.

And now, she may get a chance. A California company, called Allerca, says they've bred the first ever hypoallergenic cats.

Simon Brodie, Chairman and CEO of Allerca, Inc.
"Cats that those people, who have cat allergies, can actually live with."

Here's how the company says works: normal cats have a certain protein in their skin that people are allergic to.

Allerca started testing for this protein and identified rare cats that for some reason don't have it.

They bred these cats together, and say they've created an entire generation of allergy friendly kittens.

But allergists say we won't know for sure until the cats are delivered to actual customers early next year.

Of course, allergy "free" comes with a price. These special cats cost nearly $5,000; something Judy says she's more than willing to pay.

Judy Smith, allergic to pets
"It's completely 100 percent worth it to me."

But what about dog lovers?

Mary Murray, allergic to pets
"We really wanted a dog. I've wanted a dog since I was a kid."

Mary Murray of Bridgewater and her daughter both are allergic. But you'd never know it, seeing them with Brady.

Mary Murray, allergic to pets
"I can pick up my dog and put my face in his fur, and I have no reaction. It's really amazing."

That's because Brady's a special kind of dog, called an Australian Labradoodle.

While Labradoodles still have that allergy, causing protein on their skin, they've been bred not to shed.

Dr. Javed Sheikh, Allergist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
"It's good to not have a shedding pet, 'cause there will be less hairs around."

But no dog or cat is completely allergy free. So, breeder Judy Hickey suggests you try before you buy.

Judy Hickey, Labradoodle breeder
"We do a lot of testing. They come to my house and see how well they do with the dogs."

Mary and Judy make "no bones about it." They're ecstatic to have pet of their own.

Marianne Mancusi