I have always been a cat person, so was devastated when I developed allergies. Getting near a cat would make my eyes swell and itch like crazy. During a visit to an allergist, I mentioned that I was really bummed out that I couldn't pet my cats anymore. He told me to only have female cats, that there is something in a male cat's spit/dander that is tends to be more bothersome to people with allergies than in female cats. Since then, I've only had female cats and as long as I don't rub my eyes directly after petting them, I don't have any problems. I don't know if this is a science thing, or if he was playing a head game with me, but it works for me. Only female cats in my future. (I live with two very fluffy Maine Coon girls now, and they don't bother my allergies at all.)
Renee