Want a cat but might be allergic?

I’ve decided that I need a therapy animal and would like to get a cat. I’ve only ever had dogs but right now I don’t feel like I could support a dogs exercise needs and the house I live in is too small. The only problem o for see is in the past I have had reactions to cats that makes me think I’m allergic but I’m not sure. I’ve been around a lot of cats and have only have only had a few reactions and just want to know if anyone can tell me if this is normal or an allergy. If I pet a cat and then touch my face, or if I’m in a house with a lot of cats I get itchy eyes and sniffles... is this an allergy? When I’m in a house with just one cat I’m fine and I can pet a cat with no reaction if I don’t touch my face after so that’s why I’m confused. TIA