Years ago (back in the 70's) and we were stationed at K.I Sawyer AFB in Michigan. One of the officers was going on a 6 month TDY and his wife was going to visit her parents while they were gone. They asked if we would take care of their two cats while they were gone. We agreed.
Wasn't until we got them we discovered I was allergic to cats! It was a long long 6 months.
So, I understand where your husband is coming from
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Funny I didn't know I was allergic to cats, my grandmother had a couple of cats and I don't remember being allergic to them.