What you need to know before you start considering Hamsters a “Pet”

What you need to know before you start considering Hamsters a “Pet”

1. When you buy hamsters, you support animal cruelty mills
   A routine inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that one PetSmart supplier allegedly allowed severely stressed hamsters to eat each other and left the remains of the dead animals in their cages.
2. Hamsters need large, safe homes

Make sure no lattice cage has gaps larger than a half inch (for large hamsters) or a quarter inch (for dwarf hamsters) as they could squeeze through. Hamsters also have the ability to flatten their bodies and fit through very small holes and crevices. They are easily lost and can be difficult to find, often being injured or killed on the run.

3. Finding a vet for your hamster can be difficult

A hamster is considered an “exotic animal” and must be examined by a specialist veterinarian. Many people don’t know this.

4.Hamster Balls and Wheels are not just fun and games

While hamsters need to be able to play and explore, familiar hamster toys,

A hamster wheel that provides a safe place for your hamster to exercise when using the correct size, a hamster ball is not recommended. Hamsters are easily startled because they don’t have the best eyesight and use their whiskers to navigate.

5. A lonely hamster is a happy hamster
   While some animals need friends and companionship, hamsters do not. A Syrian hamster can bond with a human guardian, but they should not live with another hamster. They are territorial and likely to fight.
6. Hamsters need special bedding and nesting materials
   Cat litter, newspaper and “fluff” litter can cause life-threatening illness in your hamster and should be avoided. Aspen shavings, paper litter, and hemp are acceptable options and can even be mixed together in a hamster enclosure. Your pet will also appreciate a small container of sand for bathing.
7. Hamsters have a sleep schedule
   Hamsters are crepuscular, meaning they are active at dusk and dawn and spend both day and night hours in their nest. This can be frustrating for a caregiver who wants to play with their companion during the day. There are valid reasons to wake a sleeping hamster, just as there are reasons to wake a sleeping human, such as administering medication or changing something potentially dangerous in their environment.
8. Hamsters are not “starter pets”
   Although hamsters are small, they still carry a lot of responsibility. They require daily care, exercise and attention, just like other animal companions.