Dear OperaKitten,
You are not a nut case, no one is. Sounds like you have some very genuine concerns. You don't always have to wheeze with asthma and it can be hard to diagnosis. You should consider going to a allergy/asthma doctor, they might help put your mind at ease.
I like your forum name OperaKitten, Do you like cats?
I have two cats and I'm very happy to say I'm not allergic to them.
Please think about
going to an Allergist.
Good luck and Hugs
Oh, I almost forgot, keep us posted and read some of the other postings.