How it Works

 

We Follow the Science

Did you know birds can have allergies too? Although they may not blow their noses like we do, their immune systems responds to allergens in a similar way to humans. Much like people, chickens produce immunoglobulins known as immunoglobulin Y, or IgY for short, in response to antigen exposure. These antibodies are transferred and concentrated into egg yolks to provide passive immunity for their chicks. ¹

These antibodies can adapt based on which antigens inhabit their environment, including the most common cat allergen Fel d 1. When exposed, the IgY adapt its antigen-binding sites to better target this allergen. Now get this: studies have shown that when these adapted IgY are consumed daily by domestic shorthair cats, it can the reduce their allergen production! ²

 

What We Do

Our eggs are laid by chickens who are in regular, direct contact with the most Fel d1 ethically possible. We facilitate this by brushing indoor cats daily, and immediately taking the collected hair out to our chicken coop to be used in the lining of our nesting boxes. Additionally, since Fel d1 originates from cat saliva, we recycle cat drinking water (filtered, of course) to our chickens every day to maximize exposure.

 

Extra Fun Facts

There's a reason why eggs are a staple breakfast food, and that's because they are a naturally rich source of proteins, essential vitamins, and fatty acids. Adding egg to your cat's diet helps improve their skin and coat health. Catigy is a nutrient-rich, inexpensive, and convenient way to enrich your cat's daily diet. 


References:

1.  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

 

2. 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

Further reading:

Hares, D. (2020, June 30). Can cats eat eggs?. PetMD.
 
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
 
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. doi: 10.1177/026119290503300208
 
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.
 
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