Although RNA interference has revolutionized the lifesciences, the technology is still relatively unknown to the general population. All that may change, at least for the average pet lover, if Los Angeles-based Allerca achieves its goal of using the gene-silencing technology to develop a hypoallergenic cat.

According to Simon Brodie, the president of the six-person company, the idea to develop the genetically-modified cat has been around for years.