I’ve noticed that a lot of people turn to hamsters for beginner pets, especially for kids. Yet, I’ve also heard that hamsters aren’t the best pets for young kids, and they’re not the right pet for everyone. So, are hamsters good pets? And what should you consider before bringing a pet hamster home?
Are Hamsters Good Pets?
Like all pets, the answer to this depends. Hamsters can be excellent pets for some people but not ideal for others.
If you’re looking for an adorable, low-maintenance pet that you can admire, hamsters might be the right fit for you. However, if you’re looking for a pet that you can hold and play with, you might want to consider a different pet.
Overall, hamsters are great beginner pets as long as their humans know to respect their boundaries.
Are Hamsters Good Pets for Kids?
If your kid understands that hamsters need space, a hamster may be a good pet for them. However, most kids love to pick up and hold cute fuzzy animals, which could stress the hamster out and be bad for their health. If your kid is like that, don’t worry. It’s normal for kids to want to hold hamsters (I was like that as a kid).
Yet, kids need to learn that animals don’t like being picked up all the time. Once they accept that, they may be ready for a pet like a hamster. If they refuse to stop picking up animals, then a hamster probably isn’t a good fit for them.
Like with any animal, getting a pet for your kid doesn’t mean all the responsibility falls on the child. You need to be willing to help them care for their hamster from time to time. Even the most responsible kids will have questions and need assistance at times. So, if you’re not okay with helping care for a hamster, then a hamster isn’t a good fit for your kid.
Things to Consider if You Want a Pet Hamster
When people see cute pets, they often have an urge to bring them home immediately. Yet, any pet is a big responsibility, even a small pet like a hamster. If you’re trying to decide if a hamster is a good pet for you, consider the following things before making your decision.
1. They Don’t Like Being Handled
Since hamsters are cute and fuzzy, it’s natural for people to want to hold them. Yet, most hamsters dislike being touched and held. Some hamsters may learn to enjoy being held once they build trust with their human, but there’s no guarantee that a hamster will like human contact. And even if they learn to love being held, it’s a gradual process that may take a while. So, if you’re looking for a cuddly, affectionate pet, a hamster probably isn’t right for you.
2. They’re Nocturnal
Most people get pets because they want to interact with them and observe them. Yet, hamsters are nocturnal, so you might not see much of them during the day. You’ll likely see them appear occasionally for food, but they’re more likely to run around when it’s dark out. If you’re a night owl, this might be perfectly fine, but otherwise, you need to be okay with not seeing your hamster often during the day.
3. They Could Be Noisy
Hamsters are generally quiet pets. They don’t make lots of random noises like guineas pigs and sugar gliders do. However, they’re not silent. They squeak sometimes and their hamster wheels can creak or thud when they run on it. In general, these noises aren’t a big deal, but since hamsters are nocturnal, it might keep you up at night. If you’re easily woken by sounds, make sure you keep your hamster’s enclosure far from your bedroom if possible.
4. They Aren’t Social Animals
While some animals thrive in pairs or small groups, that’s not the case for hamsters. Hamsters aren’t naturally sociable, so most do best living on their own. Some kinds of hamsters should never be kept together, such as Syrian hamsters and Chinese hamsters. While this can make their care easier, it may be disappointing for animal lovers who are looking to keep more than one pet together.
5. They Need Lots of Space
Some pet stores will recommend a small hamster cage when you’re getting your new pet, but unfortunately, not all hamster enclosures are suitable as a long-term hamster home. 900 square inches (40 x 22.5 inches) should be the minimum for a hamster’s space, but more is always better. Like with all pets, your hamster’s enclosure is where they’ll spend all their time. So, you need to ensure that it’s spacious, comfortable, and stimulating for them.
6. Their Enclosure Needs Regular Cleaning
Hamsters aren’t as messy as other small mammals, but you won’t want your pet living in their own filth. So, you’ll need to spot clean their enclosure about once a week to keep your hamster happy and healthy. Then, completely replace the bedding and do a deep clean about once a month. Cleaning a hamster's enclosure isn’t a huge commitment, but it’s an essential part of a hamster’s care, so new hamster owners need to make sure they can keep up with it.
7. They Don’t Live Long
Sadly, most hamsters only live two to three years. That means they’re not as long-term of a commitment as other pets, but two to three years is plenty of time for your pet to become part of the family. It can be hard to say goodbye to a pet, no matter how small. It’s a sad topic to think about, but it’s something to consider when deciding if you want a hamster.
Alternatives to Pet Hamsters
Are hamsters good pets for you? Your mind might have changed after considering all of the facts. If you’ve decided that a hamster isn’t the right animal for you, there are so many other wonderful pets to choose from. Consider one of the following pets instead (or another pet not listed).
Rats
Many people are afraid of rats, but they actually make great pets. They’re rodents with short lifespans like hamsters, but they’re better for people who want pets they can interact with. Rats are often affectionate and easy to train, so you can play with them and teach them tricks.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs look like big hamsters, but in terms of personality and care, they’re very different. Like rats, guinea pigs are typically much friendlier than hamsters. However, they’re also messier. They can poop 100 times a day, meaning you’ll need to spot clean their enclosure daily. Guinea pigs are social animals, so they thrive when living with other guinea pigs.
Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons might not be fuzzy, but they’re small animals that make great pets. So, if you don’t mind scaly pets, one of these dragon-like lizards might be a great fit. Bearded dragons are easy-going lizards that can sometimes be friendly and responsive to their humans. Their environment and diet are very different from hamsters, but they’re fascinating pets to have around.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are like hamsters because they’re solitary, nocturnal animals that are also adorable. They can be affectionate animals if you’re patient with them, but like hamsters, it’s not a guarantee. Many people prefer hedgehogs over other small mammals because of their unique spiked appearance. Yet, you need to be aware that they need their enclosure cleaned a lot more often than hamsters do.
Bunnies
Bunnies are a lot more work than hamsters, but if you don’t mind the extra effort, they can make great companions. They’re often friendly and affectionate toward their humans, as long as they still get enough alone time. Bunnies are often very smart too, and many bunny owners potty train them. Of course, they’re much bigger than hamsters, so they need a lot more room to roam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hamsters Good Pets for 10 Year Olds?
They can be. As long as your 10-year-old understands that hamsters need lots of space and don’t like to be held often, they can be great pets. They’re easy to care for, making them a good beginner pet.
Do Hamsters Like to Be Held?
Not really. Most hamsters dislike being held at first. Some can learn to enjoy human contact as they build trust with their owner, but they’re not a very affectionate pet.
What Foods are Good for Hamsters?
Hamsters eat commercial hamster pellets, hay, fruits, and vegetables. They may also enjoy seeds, plants, and mealworms. Giving your hamster a variety of food and snacks can help them stay happy and healthy.
Are Pet Hamsters Friendly?
No, hamsters aren’t super friendly. They usually don’t like to be handled and they don’t need to live with another hamster.
What are the Cons of Hamsters?
The main downsides of having a hamster as a pet is that they don’t like being held and touched frequently. They may nip and squirm to get away from you. While these behaviors are understandable, it can be disappointing for kids.
Are Hamsters Good Pets? It Depends!
There isn’t one clear answer to “are hamsters good pets?” Like any pet, they’re perfect for some people and not ideal for others. Overall, if you’re looking for an easy pet that you can admire occasionally, a hamster is probably good for you. Yet, if you want a cuddly, affectionate pet, you may want to consider other animals.
No matter what pet you’re interested in, make sure you thoroughly research that animal before bringing one home. It’s easy to fall in love with an animal based on looks, but appearance shouldn’t be the most important factor when getting a pet. Instead, it’s important to make sure the pet fits your lifestyle so that you can give that animal the care they need.