Hamsters are often seen as good starter pets – they require less work and a shorter time commitment than other classic pets. But before you agree to buy your child a hamster, it is important to know what you’re getting into. Hamsters still require commitment, both financially and timewise since they live an average of 2 to 3 years in captivity. Additionally, hamsters aren’t the best pet for a while who wants to interact with the animal.
Below, we look at the main reasons a hamster isn’t a good first pet for a young child to help you decide if this animal is right for your family.
Hamsters Aren’t Cuddly (& May Bite)
If your child is expecting a pet they can cuddle and play with, a hamster isn’t for them. While some hamsters like to be held, most of them prefer limited human contact. They’re busy animals, so you can’t expect them to want to sit still in your lap for long periods.
Pet Helpful also warns that hamsters tend to bite more so than other rodents. This is because their eyesight is poor, so they rely on other senses (like taste) to navigate their surroundings. But a hamster that bites can be traumatizing for young children. So much so, your child may be hesitant to go near the animal afterwards. At the very least, young children will require parental supervision given the risk the hamster may bite.
If your child is holding a hamster, make sure they’re doing it low to the ground. If the animal bites, your child’s reaction may be to drop the hamster. But if its low to the ground, there’s less risk of hurting it.
They’re More Active At Night
Hamsters are nocturnal creatures – they’re going to be at their busiest at night. This can be a letdown for children who expect to play with their pet in the daytime, as they may find the hamster is usually asleep.
Additionally, this is a problem if you were hoping to keep the pet in your child’s room. The hamster will likely be most active when your child is trying to sleep. They’ll be distracting by the hamster spinning on its wheel, burrowing in the hay, or eating its food, which isn’t going to bode well for bedtime.
They Need More Space Than You Think
The hamster cages that most pet stores sell look small enough. You can just tuck it in an empty corner and it’ll be good, right? But hamsters need more space than you think. PETA explains large hamsters need up to 800 square inches of clear floor space, while smaller hamsters (like dwarf species) require 640. The animal rights organization warns that most standard cages do not fit these dimensions. They recommend building your own hamster cage.
Otherwise, you need a designated space in your home that the hamster can roam around in. Not only does this take away space, but you need to hamster proof it. Make sure there are no small holes or crevices the animal can crawl through or items that can be a choking hazard. A hamster is too small to simply let it roam free amongst your child’s toys and furniture.
Hamsters Carry Disease & Bacteria
No pet is perfectly hygienic, but hamsters are known for carrying disease and bacteria. For example, hamsters can carry salmonella bacteria, which can cause flu-like symptoms. They can also carry viruses like lymphocytic choriomeningitis and hantavirus, which can transfer from animals to humans.
The younger the child, the more susceptible they tend to be to illness since they’re immune system isn’t fully developed. Additionally, not all treatment options (like antibiotics) are suitable for toddlers and babies.
The risk of catching bacteria and disease from a hamster is lower when the animal is properly cared for. But this means you need to be diligent in keeping its cage clean, which is something young kids can’t efficiently do and will add to a parent’s workload.
They Need Fresh Food Options
Some pets are low maintenance when it comes to feeding. For fish, you can drop a few flakes in its tank on a daily basis, while birds may only need fresh seeds every couple of days. But hamsters tend to need a bit more work, and you can’t expect young kids to be able to do it without parental assistance.
Wedge Wood Pharmacy explains that you should change a hamster’s food daily, as they don’t like to eat leftovers. But Hamsters also require fresh food options every other day (like fresh fruits and veggies) in order to promote a well-balanced diet.
Hamsters Have A Short Life Span
Finally, while a pet with a short life span can be preferable since it means less of a life-long commitment, it can be a hard reality for kids to process.
Some hamsters can live an average of 2 to 3 years, whereas others pass within a couple of months. It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Oftentimes, it’s due to natural causes. But young kids won’t necessarily understand this and it can be traumatizing to lose a pet so early on. Be prepared to have a conversation about loss with your toddler if you do bring a hamster into your family.
Sources: PETA, Pet Helpful, Wedge Wood Pharmacy,