For most of my life, I’ve been allergic to cats. I remember trying to date someone who had a cat and that didn’t go so well! As a geneticist, I knew that there was a solution and that’s why I helped start Felix Pets. I’m looking forward to finally getting my own kitten, and to sharing that joy with everyone else!

I developed allergies and asthma as a young child. One lick from a cat or dog and my lungs would tighten and my eyes would swell. Years of allergy shots, antihistamines, and steroids did little to improve the situation. We had a fish tank for several years and even adopted a chameleon, but it was not the same has having a playful, furry, companion pet. For the past 25 years I have been treating patients with allergies and working on developing allergen-free cats so that my family and others can enjoy the companionship of a household pet.

I grew up with cats, but developed allergies later in life from the occupational exposure of being a vet. I want my kids to experience the joy of having cats in our life.