Hamsters, including Syrian hamsters, only live for a few years.
Many people choose to have a pet hamster at some point. Some think it’s a great pet to start teaching children how to care for pets and be responsible. Others may find caring for a hamster easier than caring for a cat or dog. People allergic to cats or dogs may experience a hamster because they may be contained in certain areas. There are also some downsides to owning a hamster, such as the care required, short life expectancy, initial and recurring costs, and the hamster’s small size and containment.
Hamsters can be quite affectionate.
While caring for a hamster doesn’t take a lot of time, it does take some time and dedication to care for a hamster. Hamsters should have fresh food and water available every day, and their cages should be cleaned at least once a week. This involves changing the hamster’s bedding and cleaning the cage. Having a pet hamster may not entail the level of attention required of other pets, but it does ensure that you have a schedule to attend to the hamster’s needs.
Some may find caring for a hamster easier than caring for a cat or dog.
When a person chooses to keep a hamster, they should keep in mind that many hamsters do not have a long life expectancy. This is especially important for those who have children. Many hamsters only live for one to four years, which is a relatively short period of time for a pet.
In addition to the initial cost of buying a hamster, there are other initial costs as well, such as a cage, food, toys, and bedding. Once these items are set up, there will still be recurring costs for items like food and bedding. People often like to buy extra toys for their hamsters; this would also qualify as a recurring cost. These items are relatively inexpensive, but it is important for a person to budget for these items before purchasing a pet hamster.
Many people like the fact that having a pet hamster allows them to have a pet to play with, without having to commit too much space to the animal. Hamsters tend to have small cages and tend to stay in their cages. They can be released on something like an exercise ball, but this is usually only done for short periods of time. For people who live in apartments or small rooms, hamsters can be a great option due to the small amount of space the pet uses.