Cat lovers cursed with cat allergies, rejoice: world's first hypoallergenic cat has been grown by San Diego-based company Allerca.

"There's really a need. One of the primary reasons that cats are unfortunately given up for adoption or go to shelters is because people are really highly allergic, said company spokesman Stephen May.

Joshua, an 18-month old specially bred cat, is the first of its kind, with doctors and researchers confirming he is indeed hypoallergenic.

About 30 percent of people suffer from allergic reactions to cats, including itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing and skin rashes.

The company says the allergy s caused by a reaction to a specific protein, an allergen found in the pet's saliva, urine, or dander. After years of research scientists are now able to eliminate the protein naturally.

"They have identified the protein which is Fel d1 within the gene and through natural breeding — these are not bred in any other way except true nature — they are able to isolate and find who happens to be Joshua's parents,” said Stephen May.

Through natural breeding process the allergy-free cats are able to have extremely low Fel d1 protein - so there's nothing to trigger allergy symptoms.

However the apparent luxury of a hypoallergenic sneeze-free kitty does not come cheap, and will set owners back around US$4,000. The allergy-free kittens are sold spayed or neutered and also come with a micro chip installed as pet insurance.

Is it worth it? Definitely, cat breeders say. Cats can be extremely psychotherapeutic, and they can provide stress relief in ways that many other pets cannot.

"In times of need and passion whether its depression, whether its something traumatic, nothing substitutes the love of a pet. You can't put a price on it,” says Stephen May.

Allergy-free cats will be available to expectant customers early in 2007.