I can share my experiences with having allergies and having cats. I take one Claritin each morning. About 3 times per month, I need to take a Benadryl at night.

I have NO carpetting in my home; all hardwood floors and limoleum. I have no curtains; just valances. See, upholstery and fabric are what hold the cat dander and make the allergy worse.

I give my cats a bath every other month. And at the same time, I change the bed right down to the mattress ( and yes, I DO change the bed more often than that! ) Each time I change the bed, I spray the mattress with Lysol and let it air for an hour. I always notice I sleep better that night than the night before, which encourages me that is all makes a difference.

Each time I get a new cat in the house, I have a rather miserable 2 weeks until my body adjusts to that newbie. I just take an extra allergy med, a 4 hour one, about noon time to get me through the day. (I am a homemaker, so I am home all day.)

I don't know enough about the long haired cats to be able to tell you much except that they need regular brushing to help reduce matting. Which means you are in contact with the cat while ruffling up the hair / fur / dander.

I hope this is helpful to you!