Wanting to adopt a cat. Allergic to some, but not others.?

I am looking into adopting a cat/kitten after I adopt a dog and get her settled in. My boyfriend is more of a cat person than a dog person, so we decided to get both. I am allergic to cats, but only some of them. My parents had 3 cats (one himalayan, and two mixes). I was allergic to both the mixed cats with the short hair, but not the long-haired himalayan. I'm not sure if it's an allergy to the dander, saliva or what. It's not really a severe reaction. My eyes just get itchy and swollen, I sneeze constantly and my nose gets stuffy. Is there any way I can minimize the allergy issue with cats? Besides just taking antihistamines and staying away? Any special baths, brushes or something?