The toxicity is in the dose. If you're actually allergic to your cat, it could be a seasonal change in his grooming regimen resulting in more saliva on his fur, which means more allergen proteins in the dander.
Another possibility: seasonal change has resulted in something blooming to which you're mildly allergic. The combination of things might have tipped you over the edge of allergic response.
There are a ton of factors that could be in play, and only an allergist can tell you for sure what's going on.