What Are the Pros and Cons of a Hamster as a Pet?

Many individuals choose to have a hamster as a pet at some point. Some feel that it is a great pet to start teaching children pet care and responsibility. Others might view hamster care as being easier than caring for a cat or dog. People who are allergic to cats or dogs might try a hamster because they can be contained in certain areas. There also are some negative aspects of having a hamster, such as the care required, the short life expectancy, the initial and recurring costs and the hamster’s small size and containment.

Although caring for a hamster does not require a great deal of time, there is some time and dedication required to care for a hamster. Hamsters must have fresh food and water available daily, and their cages should be cleaned at least weekly. This involves changing the hamster’s bedding and cleaning the cage. Having a hamster as a pet might not involve the level of care required of other pets, but it does warrant having a schedule to care for the hamster’s needs.

When an individual chooses to keep a hamster, he or she should keep in mind that many hamsters do not have a long life expectancy. This is especially important for people who have children. Many hamsters live only one to four years, which is a relatively short period of time for a pet.

In addition to the initial cost of purchasing a hamster, there are also other initial costs such as the cage, food, play equipment and bedding. After these items have been set up, there still are recurring costs for items such as food and bedding. Many times, individuals enjoy purchasing extra playthings for their hamsters; this also would qualify as a recurring cost. These items are relatively inexpensive, but it is important for an individual to budget for these items before purchasing a hamster as a pet.

Many people enjoy the fact that having a hamster as a pet allows them to still have a pet to enjoy while not having to commit a great deal of space to the pet. Hamsters usually have small cages and tend to stay in their cages. They can be let out in something such as an exercise ball, but this generally is done only for short periods of time. For individuals in apartments or small living quarters, hamsters might make a great choice because of the small amount of space that the pet uses.

Hamsters are ideal for individuals with limited space, as they require relatively small habitats. They're low-maintenance, nocturnal creatures, making them suitable for people who are busy during the day. Hamsters are also relatively inexpensive to care for and can provide companionship without the need for constant attention.

Hamsters can be good pets for children who are old enough to understand the need for gentle handling. They teach responsibility and care, but supervision is crucial to prevent accidental injury to the hamster. It's important to note that hamsters can bite if frightened or mishandled, so they may not be suitable for very young children.

Hamsters have a relatively short lifespan, averaging 2 to 3 years. This can be a double-edged sword; it's a shorter commitment for a pet owner, but it also means that families may have to deal with the concept of loss more quickly than with longer-lived pets.

One of the main challenges of keeping a hamster is their nocturnal nature, which means they are active at night and may disturb light sleepers. Additionally, hamsters require a clean environment, so their cages need regular cleaning to prevent odor and disease. They also have a tendency to escape if their habitat is not secure.

Hamsters can be handled and tamed with patience and gentle, consistent interaction. However, they are not as trainable as some other pets like dogs or cats. They can learn to accept handling and may even come to enjoy human interaction, but they generally do not perform tricks or follow commands.

While hamsters are generally healthy animals, they do require occasional veterinary care to address common issues like dental problems, respiratory infections, and tumors. Regular health checks are recommended to ensure they remain in good health. It's important to find a vet who is experienced with small animals and understands hamster-specific health needs.