Yes. This.
Of our three cats, one is very much mine and curls up on my lap every evening, stopping me from getting up to go to the loo (disadvantage), but also from having to make the cocoa (advantage); one is my daughter's and follows her around all the time, sleeping outside her bedroom door if she's not allowed in (this one would really go for your allergy, Toby: she's a fat fluffy crittur); the third is everyone's friend and will snuggle up to all visitors, especially those who dislike cats. She also loves getting into people's cars and going for a short drive (until they notice, and return her). All three are every bit as affectionate as the dogs, but nearly as slobbery. When they get excited (being stroked/scratched), they hypersalivate as they purr.
For the record, three of the six humans living here are allergic to cats, one to dogs, and three to horses (including me). We just have to get used to it, but a lot of inhalers are sucked on!
Edit:
Yes. This, too.
