Hank: You might be able to treat your cat allergies thanks to chickens? Here's how it works:

Cats make a protein called "Fel d 1," and it's usually the thing that allergy-sufferers are allergic to. Researchers have discovered that when chickens are exposed to cats or inoculated with Fel d 1, their immune system produces antibodies that neutralize that protein.

Like human antibodies, chicken antibodies can be passed down to their offspring. But instead of passing through the placenta, they're concentrated in the egg yolk. Which means that anything that eats those yolks gets a dose of Fel d 1-killer, including the cats themselves.

When cats eat the antibodies, the Fel d 1 protein gets neutralized by as much as 71%. All without harming your little fluffy kitty! And there are already some cat foods with this super ingredient on the market now. So thanks to chicken immune systems, cat allergy sufferers can sometimes now add a feline friend to their family.

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