Did you know that 15 percent of the American population is allergic to dogs and cats?

Chances are, if you have a runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing or phlegm, and even a rash or skin irritation, you have a cat or dog allergy. But there's great news! Cat allergies can be treated and you can keep your allergies at bay.

Of course, this will add to the cost of cat ownership. Since some cats can live for 15 years or more, you'll need to factor in the cost of allergy medications or treatments to your cat ownership budget.

There is one other solution. If you love cats, but you or your family members suffer from allergies, consider the "hypoallergenic" cat.

This cat species is safe for allergy-suffers because of genetic engineering. In this process, the gene that secretes glycoprotein, Fel d 1, has been removed, which is believed to be the major source of cat allergies in humans. The cats are expensive, but when you consider the cost of a lifetime of allergy medications and treatments, they may not be such a large investment at all. Consider your allergy treatment costs before you bring a cat into your home, then cuddle up with your cat and enjoy a lifetime without cat allergies.