Researchers claim they may have discovered a cure for the UK’s most common pet allergy and say treatment could be on the market within five years.
A team from Cambridge University discovered the trigger that can cause allergic reactions in one in ten people.
The scientists believe it is a protein in feline dandruff, known as dander, that combines with a chemical in humans to spark the reaction.
The only treatment currently available for symptoms, which can also include rashes and dangerous asthma attacks, is to take antihistamines or to have a number of injections to build up a tolerance to the allergen.
However, scientists believe a pill or inhaler could be used to treat the problem.