Even with "ordinary" cats, the allergy factor varies a lot.
I can handle some cats for an hour or so and have minimal symptoms (I do have some)
and there are others - one touch - and I'm having trouble breathing, and my eyes are itching.
I haven't figured out a common denominator. My cat is an oily long-hair - and I do fine with him.
My step-dad had a short hair black one - severe reaction to that one.
Mom's Babe was a medium, soft-haired stripe, minimal reaction with him.