Science may finally be coming to the rescue of people who start itching and sneezing and wheezing whenever they are exposed to cats.

Researchers in Zurich, Switzerland say they have developed a vaccine to relieve the symptoms that manifest in the one-in-ten humans who are allergic to cats.  But the twist, according to the study set to be published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, says the vaccine is to be given to cats.

After ten years of development, the "Hypo-Cat" vaccine blocks the production of a type of cat protein called Fel-d1.  The protein is found in the fur of the animals, and then gets attached to the cat's dander which gets all over the place. 

If this does get to market in three years as the developers hope, it is hoped to do more than help the allergy sufferer.  Families that get pet cats only to discovery that a family member is allergic often send the cat outside to be an "outdoor cat".  If the car isn't spayed, then that means strays and feral cats.  Others might surrender the kitty to a shelter where there's no guarantee of re-adoption.