Personally I think people with allergies should try fostering cats first, instead of buying them.
We always need foster homes, for all kinds of cats. If it works out, great...if not, well, you return the cat to us.
Of course your heart still breaks
It's not an easy thing, but honestly, in the best interest of the cat and yourself, it's not fair to get a cat knowing you allergic, or not knowing how allergic you are.
And yes, it's cat's saliva that does the damage, even when petting them, their saliva is on their fur (cats are very clean animals and some will even clean themselves after you touch them)
I found this on the internet
"Cat Allergy: Patients allergic to cats are allergic to the cat's saliva. However, typical allergic symptoms are not as a result of coming in direct contact with the cat's saliva. Instead, when the cat grooms itself by licking its fur and skin, it deposits its saliva on the fur. The saliva dries, leaving behind the protein antigen that is the source of allergy to cats. These allergens (cat saliva antigens) are very lightweight and are easily aerosolized. Once airborne, the antigen can spread to clothes, furniture, carpeting, or any other household item. "
hope it helps.
marie
x x x
it's up to you...you might find a cat that does not affect you at all, but how many cats do you have to go through to find that one?