A quick reading of my newspaper database shows that this was a common question in the 1890’s. So, the idea that it originates in cartoons is not correct. So it goes back before the 1890’s.
I’ll search some more in a while.
If it wasn’t for mice, cockroaches, spiders, tight jars and that whole getting them pregnant thing, us men would be obsolete.
First let me say I am in no way tied to my theory. And it’s just that.
But, if mice really did run up Victorian dresses, I would say that was a legitimate concern and not a stereotype. The stereotype came later.
I would still like to hear KRC’s source of this stereotype.
I openly welcome that it may be a hold over from the 1890’s and earlier. But I ask, What venue would a modern person see this ‘stereotype’?
I’m pretty sure I’ve heard more specificaly that it dates back to when women wore girdles. I’m talking about when they would wear them so tightly their chest cavity would nearly collapse. (seemingly)
-And it wasn’t just mice that would make them faint; nearly anything that got a womans heart rate going would cause this effect.
Well, one of my co-workers had a highly amusing hissy fit when a mouse ran up the sleeve of her lab coat and from there into her shirt…
Other than that, I got nothin’
There are currently eight domestic mice, one domestic rat, one wild/domestic cross rat and one Norway rat in my computer room. They were all invited. 
I’ve also had house and deer mice as pets.
I look after all the rats and mice at work and regularly handle the tarantullas too. So much for stereotypes!
Wolf spiders in my bathtub, however… :eek: