How it works

Research has shown that, when consumed daily, a protein found in the eggs of chickens that occupy the same environment as domestic shorthair cats can reduce total allergen production. “While cats produce several potential allergens, Fel d1 is the major allergen, causing IgE reactions in  83.7% of children and 88-95% of adults with allergies to cats” (Sathyaraj, E., Li, Q., Sun, P., & Sherrill, S. 2019) Fel d1 is the major allergen that domestic shorthair cats produce. An antibody produced by chickens who are exposed to the Fel d1 allergen, “IGY”, attaches to the active Fel d1 protein in the cats saliva and reduces its efficacy as an allergen. The hair from cats who ate food containing the protein from these eggs is reduced (Satyaraj, E., Gardner, C., Filipi, I., Cramer, K., & Sherrill, S. 2019).  

We ensure, to the best of our abilities, that the chickens we source our eggs from are in contact with the most Fel d1 as ethically possible. We facilitate this through introducing the allergens to the chickens in a way that keeps them safe and without predation by our beloved cats. To do this we allow supervised interactions between the cats and the chickens as well as introduction of Fel d1 into the chickens housing to ensure maximum production of anti Fel d1 IGY antibodies. “Immunoglobulin Y is an avian immunoglobulin equivalent to mammalian IgG. These antibodies are naturally produced by chickens in response to antigen exposure, and transferred and concentrated into egg yolks to provide passive immunity for offspring. As a result, large quantities accumulate in chicken egg yolks” (Satyaraj, E., Gardner, C., Filipi, I., Cramer, K., & Sherrill, S. 2019). Chickens naturally produce Fel d1-specific IgY when in a shared environment with cats. 

While we are unsure of our total reduction in allergens at this point, our egg based supplement offers many other benefits for your cat. Our product provides your furry friend with numerous nutritional benefits including; a rich source of protein, linoleic acid, Vitamin B2 and B12, and water-soluble Vitamin A. Adding eggs to your cat's diet helps strengthen their skin and coat. Our egg based supplement provides cat owners with a nutrient-rich, inexpensive, and convenient method for enriching your cats daily diet. 

Alternative sources:

Karlsson, M., Kollberg, H. & Larsson, A. (2004). Chicken IgY: utilizing the evolutionary difference. World’s Poultry Science Journal, 60, 341-348. doi: 10.1079/WPS200422

Rahman, S., Nguyen S.V., Icatlo, F.C., Umeda, K. & Kodama Y. (2013). Oral passive IgY-based immunotherapeutics. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 9, 1039-1048. doi: 10.4161/hv.23383

Satyaraj, E., Gardner, C., Filipi, I., Cramer, K., & Sherrill, S. (2019). Reduction of active Fel d1 from cats using an antiFel d1 egg IgY antibody. Immunity, inflammation and disease, 7(2), 68–73. doi:10.1002/iid3.244

Satyaraj, E., Li, Q., Sun, P. & Sherrill, S. (2019). Anti-Fel d 1 immunoglobulin Y antibody-containing egg ingredient lowers allergen levels in cat saliva. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 21(10), 875-881. doi: 10.1177/1098612X19861218

Schade, R., Calzado, E.G., Sarmiento, R., Chacana, P.A., Porankiewics-Asplund, J., Terzolo, H.R., (2005). Chicken egg yolk antibodies (IgY-technology): A review of progress in production and use in research and human and veterinary medicine. Alternatives to Laboratory Animals, 33(2),129-154.

Wedner, H.J., Mantia, T., Satyaraj, E., Gardner, C., Al-Hammadi, N. & Sherrill, S. Feeding cats egg product with anti-Fel d 1 antibodies decreases environmental Fel d 1 and allergic response. Manuscript in preparation.