hamsterhappy.co.uk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Affiliate links may be used on this page and in hamsterhappy.co.uk articles, but they do not impact on the price that you pay and they do help me to get this information to you for free. Read my privacy policy for more information regarding affiliates.
The world is full of beautiful animals that can serve as wonderful pets. One creature in particular becoming more popular these days are hamsters. If you are thinking about getting a pet but want to explore your options, this article will help you decide if a hamster would be a great addition to your home.
This article will go over the following information:
- A brief intro on what actually makes up the best qualities of having a hamster as a pet.
- Some of the challenges and drawbacks that come with owning one (that may be offset by the benefits).
- What might make it difficult for you to decide whether or not it is right for you and your family.
- What they do and how they act and behave.
- Any pros and cons you need to consider.
Pros of Owning a Hamster as a Pet
Companionship
Hamsters are great additions to your family because they offer a lot of fun and entertainment. They do not require a tremendous amount of interaction and attention from you, but they can give back a lot as well. Hamsters are great for children because they have a playful attitude that will make them very entertaining pets to watch and grow with. They are small so you do not have to worry about them getting too big or out of control. A hamster can be a good getaway pet for those times when you need some time to yourself as well. It is something that will not go up and bother you constantly but it is still there to entertain you when you want it to.
Low Maintenance
Although they need regular cleaning, hamsters are a relatively low maintenance pet compared to a cat or a dog. Plan to clean out your hamster on a weekly basis and exercise him or her every night.
Cheap!
They are cheap pets to buy and you can get a relatively cheap cage for between £20 and £100 for your hamster. The general cost of maintenance for your hamster is very low with food and treats being as cheap as just a few pounds per week. In general hamsters rarely have large vets bill as they are small with relatively short life expectancy.
Cons of Having a Hamster as a Pet
Diseases
The first challenge to owning a hamster comes in the form of disease. Hamsters are prone to diseases as easy as they are to contracting illnesses from their environment. One main issue you will have to deal with is that they are so small and weak that anything can kill them. They have very little body fat, which makes it hard for them to recover from any sicknesses or diseases. It is very important to keep on top of this and make sure their environment is clean enough for them not to catch anything in the first place, but if they do get sick then you will need to take care of it immediately.
Lifespan
The second thing to keep in mind is that hamsters live very short lives. Dog breeds that have similar lifespans to hamsters can live up to 12 or even 14 years. Hamsters, on the other hand, only live for about 3 years on average. Because of this, they do not make very good pets for people who want something long-term and are thinking of getting one in order to have around for their entire life. They are also a challenge because you have less time with them after you get them if you plan to get a younger one from the pet store instead of adopting an adult from a shelter.
Space
The third problem you will need to face is the space problem. Having a hamster as a pet is an opportunity for someone who lives in a small apartment or dorm room because they do not need a lot of space. However, it can be a con for anyone who does not live in very small quarters and has too much space to give up. You should keep this in mind before you purchase one if you are sure you want to get one. If there is any chance that at some point down the line you might move into something larger, then it might be better to get something with a longer lifespan than them.
Nocturnal
The last issue is that hamsters are nocturnal animals. This means they are more active at night than during the day. If you do not like the idea of something running around in the dark, then this may bother you whenever you get one. It may also be difficult for any kids that have trouble going to sleep at night because they might hear their pets and be scared when they hear them moving around at night.
Owning a Hamster – What you will need to Consider
Housing
If you are going to own a hamster, then it is important that you already have a cage with all the supplies for them before you purchase one. These can be purchased at any pet store or online. It should be a cage that is large enough for them to exercise. It is also important that they have all their other needs met in the cage as well, such as fresh water and food every day. Their cages will need to be cleaned out of any soiled bedding and waste in order to maintain a clean home for them. Any hamster you get should also have toys and enrichment accessories made for them. All of this can cost money, but it is worth it to them because it gives them fun and something to do in their spare time.
Health
In order to keep your hamster healthy, you will need to have them vaccinated. You can either have this done by a vet that specializes in rodents or get a special injection kit from a pet store. It is also very important to stay on top of their health and prevent any sicknesses by keeping up with all the basics, like fresh food and water and monthly cage changes. This helps them avoid diseases that they may contract from their dirty cage conditions or even other animals. If they do happen to get sick, then you can try and treat it with medication from the vet or look up things online that may help you treat their illness at home.
Should you consider another Pet?
A hamster is a great pet for people who live in small apartments or dorm rooms but it might not be ideal for those who need a larger pet.For someone who wants to get out and about and socialise with their pet, consider getting a dog, but remember that the cost of having a dog and the time and dedication needed are a lot more.
If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about Hamster as a Pet
1 thought on “Should I get a Hamster?”