Would a pet rat make be bad for my allergies? Advice?

I'm thinking of getting a pet rat because I can't get a dog or cat due to the fact that I sneeze like crazy when i'm around them for about a day. Since I'm allergic to fur, and I know rats have fur, how badly do you think it would affect my allergies? Do you think I would be irritated from it if I were to have one in my house day in and day out? If there are any solutions to my problem feel free to share. thanks.Would a pet rat make be bad for my allergies? Advice?
It really does depend entirley on your allergies. Rat dander isn't the same as cat/dog dander, so to be allergic to both would mean you have two different kinds of allergies (one to dogs/cats, and one to rats/rodents). It is completley untrue that rats are god for allergy sufferers. Perhaps rat allergies are more uncommon though, so people have come to believe that.





I for example have a very mild allergy to cats and rats, but strangley not dogs and not any other rodent. I only get allergic reactions when I get scratched by the rats and their urine gets in the scratch, or their claws they scratched me with are dirty. This doesn't stop me from owning my wonderful rats, but in my case, all I have to do is wash my hands often.





However, if a person has general allergies to their pet, where they start up on a sneezing rampage when they are near them, I really recommend you to find a different pet. Many people that attempt to keep pets they are allergic to, end up finding it too difficult to maintain or suffer for them, and end up dumping their pet off at a shelter somewhere down the line. So it wouldn't be fair to the pet, only decied on rats if you are positive you aren't allergic.





So my suggestion is to simply find some rats to handle before deciding on whether you want them or not. Avoid pet stores by all means. You should find a rat breeder from where to obtain your pets. All pet stores care minimally about the quality of the animal, and its health and socilization with people. Plus, pet stores are terrifyingly loud places for rats, so even if you try handling them there, they will probably be too afraid and bite you. Look for a small private breeder on classifieds (like kijiji.com), and just explain your situation to them. I'm sure they wouldn't mind having you come by, and hold their friendly ratties. Hold adult rats, not just babies.





Also, keep in mind that rats are strictly social animals. You never should keep one alone. Only get at least two of the same sex. This would mean twice the dander/shed/urine to potentially affecting you, so do ensure you are alright with multiple adult rats.





On top of that, rats require an hour or more of out-of-the-cage handling every single day. So you cannot just be okay with being in the same room, you also need to be able to handle them.





I would say that you should stick with a pair of females. Males mark their territory more, so they would pee more. Males also produce more skin residue that might stigger allergies.





Good luck :)Would a pet rat make be bad for my allergies? Advice?
rats are good for people with allergies and they are really smart too they can sense when your sad and they try to cheer you up your allergies should be fine if you use aspen shavings and no cedar or pine cause its really dusty for people with allergies and for the rats as well cause it can cause respratory problems for them and they should never be in a tank either
no ';suz'; shes talking about a fancy(aka domestic) rat, try some research, there awesome pets!





(i have asthma and allergies...i LOVE my 16 rats......i'm actually selling 12 or 11 do to a ';Rattie overload'; from 2 oops litters.)
i don't think so. When i am around cats i sneeze and when i am arounf horses my skin gets itchy but i have two rats and have had them for a cuople of years and they have never given me any problems.
No, not really. U HAVE TO GET 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY R SOCIAL %26amp; CAN GET SICK %26amp; DIE W/PUT A BUDDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After holding ur rat(s), wash ur hands and don't touch ur face so that u don't get allergies. Rodents %26amp; rabbits make like THE BEST PETS EVER! hope this helps! :)
Yes it is possible.


Oddly enough chipmunks are recommended for those with fur allergy's . However they don't tame very well.
you should try spending some time around ratties before you decide.





I am allergic to some things and to some animals but luckily not rats.





Maybe it is because they are small





%26lt;:3( }~~~~~
rats dont tend to effect allergies at all! (; i have a couple. also to all those haters, rats are one of the cleanest animals out there. they spend 1/3 of their entire day cleaning themselves!
my friend, when we were little, she had allergies really bad and her dad got her a rat, named it teddy and didn't sneeze at all. They are good pets for allergy people. :]
you cant get a rat, they need to be in at least pairs! they should be ok allergy-wise though, i have rats and allergies and im fine :)
A long time ago I had pet lizards. I personally would not have a pet rat and would prefer a pet amazon giant centipede or a deranged Komono Dragon that sics what ever I point at.
A rat? The ones running around in industrial alleys...