Breastfeeding and allergies?

I am allergic to cats and so is the father of my baby. I have two cats that don't ever aggravate my allergies but the father cant stand to be in the house for long. I plan to breast feed, is it likely that my son will be able to handle being around the cats? I know he will likely get the same allergies as me and his father but i also have heard that breastfeeding helps decrease the severity of allergies.