Why am I all of a sudden "allergic" to rodents?

Question

I used to own rats but when I handle them now and get small cuts from their tiny claws, the cuts swell and get red. When I get close to the cage my eyes tear up and my sinuses clog. I've talked to a guy that works at the Petsmart here and he's noticed it happen to him, too. I've washed the rats, scrubbed their feet and changed their bedding but I eventually had the same reactions. I just want to know if they are breeding rodents differently.

Got, thanks so much for your input! You explained exactly how I feel...rats are such great pets...I'm looking to get a dwarf hampster soon (but I don't want the reaction). I miss my babies so much!

Answer 1

I worked with rats for a few years and had two as pets and slowly I became more and more sensitive to them. It got to the point where I could not be in the same room as them. My eyes would swell and run and my nose would get totally stuffed up. I was taking Benedryl all the time.
Maybe Claritin taken daily would help, I don't know. I have always wanted more rats, but just cannot stand to go back to feeling like crap!!!

I tried a "rex" rat too....no difference.

I have a hamster now. I try and not let him get his nails on my skin, but I do not have any reaction to being in the same room with him. I can clean his cage and get close enough to him that he sniffs my nose, and NO reaction!!!!!!!! Mice give my a reaaction, but less than the rats. I have a friend with a "nude" rat that he stole from a lab....STILL I can't be near him.

It would be interesting to see if someone comes up with the "hypoallergenic" rat!!!!!!!

Answer 2

This happened with me and my guinea pig. I was fine for ages, but then almost two years later, I felt itchy, uncomfortable, my neck started swelling up, and I couldn't bear to touch her. Yet more to confuse me, it all disappeared a few weeks later! I haven't reacted to her in a while. Best of luck with your rats.