Hamsters, those small, furry creatures, are beloved by many families, and experts believe they make excellent pets for beginners.

“They are indeed pets, just like any other,” mentioned Tony Adler, co-president of the California Hamster Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to hamster advocacy. “I liken them to cats; they are quite independent and can care for themselves, yet they thrive on human interaction.”

So, what does it take to care for these feline-like rodents?

What are the best practices for hamster care?

Adler emphasizes the need to shift away from traditional 160 square inch cages, suggesting that hamsters deserve larger living areas.

“The updated guideline recommends a minimum of 600 square inches of uninterrupted space,” she stated.

It’s also essential for owners to provide 6 to 15 inches of bedding at the bottom of the cages to allow hamsters to burrow, Adler advised.

Dr. Brittany Childs, a veterinarian at the VCA West Suburban Veterinary Hospital in Westmont, Illinois, recommended that prospective pet owners familiarize themselves with a hamster’s dietary needs prior to adoption. She noted that there are various species of hamsters, with the Syrian and Russian Dwarf Hamster being the most common.

Both Childs and Adler concurred that hamsters should not coexist in the same habitat. It’s crucial to keep them separated and supervise their time outside of their cages closely.

“Hamsters thrive when kept alone as they usually do not get along with others of their kind,” Childs explained.

In the event of hamster pups, Adler advised against separating them from their mother until they reach four weeks of age and emphasized maintaining a stress-free environment to protect the mother and her young.

“The mother must be solitary, and then the males and females should be separated to prevent more pups,” Adler said. “By six weeks, they must be entirely independent.”

What is the cost of owning a hamster?

The cost can vary depending on location, according to Childs. It’s advisable to contact local veterinarians for estimates on the expenses associated with owning a hamster.

Alder estimated that the initial investment for a hamster could start at around $100, with ongoing costs of approximately $200 to $300 each year.

Are hamsters active at night?

If you hear your hamster busy at night, it’s because they are nocturnal and show most activity during the nighttime hours, said Childs.

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contributed by reporter Krystal Nurse. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @KrystalRNurse, and on BlueSky @krystalrnuse.bsky.social.