Suddenly developed allergy to my cat as it's gotten old

Hello,

My cat is now 18. We've snuggled all his life, but now when I come in contact with him, I develop welts all over. Somehow, I've become allergic to him, and so has my partner who lives with me.

Does anyone have any idea what's causing this? He has no skin disease. It's only since he was about 17 that this is happening.

Thanks for any wisdom,

Seaturtle

Are you sure there isn't something going on with the cat? Could he be getting into something and then it transferring off his fur to you? A sudden allergy in one person wouldn't be totally abnormal, but in two??

Just one of my usual shots in the dark, but maybe he isn't keeping himself as clean, and he may even have more mites on him than usual, which CAN cause allergies.

I get that too!!
Only in the last few months this has happened.
It started after a vet visit so i put it down to something they may use there i.e hand wash.
But i also moved into a new house,so perhaps it is something outside that gets onto her fur.
I have pine trees in the garden which i never had before,and altho my cat only goes out for short periods,she does sit near them.
Also i have had hayfever this year which i dont usually get.
But mine do disappear after about 30 mins,so she still gets her cuddles,and i just put up with it lol.