@FirstProgenitor it depends wildly on how bad is bad and what other things you're allergic to (and how hypoallergenic the cat is - there aren't really defined breeds like there are with dogs, it's a bit of a tossup)
allergies often operate at a threshhold model - basically if enough things stack up, you'll be symptomatic. so it could be that you're ok with cats as long as you're taking an anti-allergy med *and* you're also wrangling your other allergies (dust mites, mold, etc). >
@FirstProgenitor (fwiw though many insurances are happy to pay for allergy shots with a little coaxing. it's cheaper overall for them do pay a mildly high cost for a year than it is to have you be much more at risk for more expensive health problems for the rest of your life.)
if you have access to one, i'd def say go see an allergist. they can do proper testing and help you map out just how allergic you are (and the other shit you're allergic to that might be contributing to it all).