I had (have?) a minor cat allergy. Itchy skin/eyes and difficulty breathing (tight chest, wheezing, etc). Unfortunately, I've always been a cat lover.

My girlfriend got a cat (big fluffy persian) and the first few months were pretty bad. Even though the cat was never allowed in the bed I had difficulty sleeping (weezing, difficult to breath). I medicated with over the counter allergy tablets.

Within a few months my symptoms were gone. It's been two years now and I rarely have problems. If I'm away for more than a week, I'll have a few hours of itchy skin when I'm back, but that's it. I can happily let him roll around on my face and I won't notice any negative effects.