I love cats but i have terrible allergies to them.  It is an alergic reaction to something the cat produces.  Are you allergic?
Oh no! I wonder if it is to the cat's dander? No I am not alllergic to cats. What symptoms do you experience?
I have a coughing fit, wheezing, chest tightening, itching, rash, watering eyes - you name it.  I get it!