Are Hamsters Good Pets for Kids?

by Britt

Published: December 15th, 2023

Photo credit: IgorAleks / Shutterstock.com

Choosing the best pet for your family can be challenging, especially when children are involved. You must consider not only your lifestyle and the space available in your home but also how to create a safe environment for both your child(ren) and the newest furry family member.

In this article, we talk about the essential things to consider before buying a hamster for your child, including their usual temperament, health, and care information. We’ll help you decide if these small, furry companions are the right addition for your family. Plus, we’ll look at a few other options you may want to consider.

First Thing’s First, Is Your Child Ready for a Pet?

Before bringing any pet home, every parent should ask themselves whether this is the best time to take on this responsibility. Is your child ready for a pet? Are YOU ready for a pet? After all, a pet is a commitment!

If your child is younger, they may still require a lot of your time and attention. Is it realistic to take on more at this time, or would it be better to wait until your child is older and more independent? If they are older and you consider a pet an opportunity to teach responsibility, are you prepared to take on all the work yourself? There is always the chance that your child will be uninterested or won’t follow through on your new pet’s care.

Some other important questions to ask yourself include:

Are there any allergy sufferers (or potential allergy sufferers) in the house?
Is your choice old enough to learn to respect a pet, or will they be too rough?
Are you financially prepared to take on a pet’s needs?
Does your home allow space to separate your child and the pet, if necessary?
Is your home environment safe and comfortable for a pet, or is it too hectic?

Remember, when bringing a pet into the family, you want to ensure that it is in the best interests of both the humans in the family and the pet in question. If you are at all hesitant about whether you can provide that pet with a happy, healthy, thriving life at this time, it may be best to wait. This doesn’t mean you can never have a pet; you just recognize this isn’t the right time.

Is a Hamster a Good First Pet?

Due to their small size, hamsters are often assumed to be a great introduction to pet ownership. However, don’t let their size fool you. Being small in stature doesn’t mean that a pet is low maintenance or the right fit for your lifestyle. In fact, I would argue that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer to whether a hamster will be a good first pet in your home because every home is different.

Many of the cages currently sold at pet stores for hamsters don’t provide the space they actually need. This can lead to stress, anxiety, illness, and behavioral problems. The recommended cage size will depend on the size of your hamster, but most experts recommend at least 600 square inches of floor space for a dwarf hamster and 800 square inches for a larger hamster. The ideal hamster enclosure will also be deep enough to allow your hamster to burrow.

These adorable little pets are highly independent, meaning they aren’t as interested in being held as many other pets. This can be a positive for some people, but not for those looking for a pet that is more interested in cuddles and attention.

Finally, consider your pet’s veterinary needs. Many new hamster parents don’t realize until they are in an emergency that a hamster needs to see a veterinarian that accepts “exotic animals,” which isn’t always easy to find! Researching this in advance can save you a lot of stress.

Are Hamsters Good Pets for Children?

Returning to the original question, are hamsters a good choice for a child’s pet? They can be in some homes. This will depend on your family, your child specifically, your lifestyle, and what you want in a pet. Here are a few factors to consider:

Do Hamsters Like to Be Held?

As previously mentioned, hamsters are incredibly independent. This doesn’t mean that your hamster will never want to be touched or held, but they generally aren’t the cuddly, loving pets that people come to expect from puppies and other more social animals.

It also doesn’t mean that there aren’t exceptions to the rule. My sister had a hamster who loved being held and petted by her, running to the door of her cage anytime she heard my sister’s voice. But most hamsters aren’t interested in that level of human interaction.

If you are looking for a pet that your child can hold and snuggle, you may want to consider another option.

Do Hamster Bites Hurt?

Another important consideration with children is your new hamster's risk of biting. If they are being handled roughly or held when they don’t want to be, there is a good chance this could happen. It’s not that they are aggressive, but they will protect themselves if they feel that they must.

Unlike larger animals, a hamster bite isn’t going to do significant damage. But they can still hurt! Especially for a young child whose pain tolerance may not be as high.

Are Male or Female Hamsters Better for Kids?

People often discuss the difference in temperament and personality between male and female dogs and cats. So, it is not surprising that gender can also influence how your hamster will act. Male hamsters are generally calmer, easy-going, and more affectionate. This can make it easier to train them to be held without biting or becoming agitated. For this reason, many experts will recommend male hamsters for children or first-time hamster parents.

Female hamsters, on the other hand, are often more energetic and boisterous. A female may be the better choice for those who prefer a spunky pet with a strong personality.

Of course, as with any other generalization, there are always exceptions to consider. You may find an extremely laid-back and affectionate female hamster or a male hamster that is super independent and always on the go. Like humans, they each have their unique personalities.

Photo credit: Organic Matter / Shutterstock.com

Do Hamsters Get Sick Easily?

The good news is that hamsters are generally healthy pets. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t fall ill! There are many potential health problems that we need to be familiar with. More importantly, like any pet, elements of your hamster’s care could keep them healthy or make them sick.

Here are a few of the more common ailments you may face:

Dental Problems: Unlike us, a hamster’s teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. To prevent them from becoming overgrown and causing dental problems, they must be given access to appropriate chewing materials or have their teeth regularly trimmed by a qualified veterinarian.
Skin Conditions: From allergy-related skin irritation to mites and ringworm, your hamster may suffer from dry, irritated, or infected skin. These conditions are often caused by or further aggravated by their environment, such as the choice of bedding or the cleanliness of their habitat.
Digestive Problems: Diarrhea, also referred to as “Wet Tail,” is a common ailment in hamsters. This could result from stress, a bacterial infection, or their diet.
Respiratory Infections: You may be surprised to learn that hamsters can contract pneumonia from their human family members! This is often characterized by sneezing, changes in breathing (like wheezing or attempting to catch their breath), or discharge from their nose or eyes.
Diabetes: Hamsters have a high rate of diabetes. The best way to prevent this is by feeding a high-quality diet, avoiding high-fat foods, and ensuring your hamster maintains a healthy weight.

If you suspect your hamster is ill, you will need to be in contact with a veterinarian that accepts exotic animals. For those who live a significant distance from the nearest possible vet, I recommend a conversation with them about how to best contact them (or another resource) to determine if the trip is warranted in a potential non-emergency situation.

What is the Best Small Pet to Get a Child?

After reading this information, are you concerned that a hamster may not be the right choice for your family? Here are a few other awesome pets that may be a better fit:

Guinea Pigs

When I asked my veterinarian for a recommendation for this article, she immediately suggested that parents consider a Guinea Pig. Why? These cute little guys are super friendly and social, meaning they will enjoy building a relationship with your child. They are also very gentle, reducing the risk of your child being bit while simply trying to spend time with their new pet (assuming they are taught how to handle a guinea pig properly). With a growing number of guinea pigs being surrendered to shelters and animal rescue organizations, finding your new family member shouldn’t be difficult.

Birds

When considering the best pet for children, birds often don’t come to mind. But don’t count them out if your child loves these beautiful, feathered pets. While some species of bird may not be a good fit for children, especially young children, you may wish to consider:

To select the best bird for your child, consider the care they will require, your available space (some larger birds need A LOT of room for their habitat), and the potential noise level. Some birds can be very loud and talkative pets!

Cats

Our feline companions are often stereotyped as aloof, independent, and uninterested in connecting with their owners – but they can make very affectionate and loving pets. One important consideration is how your child will interact with the new kitty. Will they try to carry them around roughly? Will they attempt to pick up your cat each time they see them? Creating boundaries and always supervising their interactions will be important when your child is young.

Dogs

Of course, “Man’s Best Friend” is usually the first that comes to mind when discussing affectionate and loving pets. Some dog breeds are well-known for their gentle, caring, and family-oriented personalities, such as:

Like with cats, you must supervise young children to ensure that they treat their new furry family member with respect. Familiarize yourself with dog body language cues to help you identify if there is ever a situation where you need to intervene to prevent trouble.

Final Thoughts: Hamsters and Children

Are hamsters good pets for kids? The short answer is, “maybe.” There are several key factors to consider when deciding if a hamster will be an excellent addition to your family, including the space needed for their habitat, their independent personalities, your child’s interest in a bet, the work (and finances) required to care for your new hamster, and the availability of a veterinarian that will accept small animals.

If your child is ready for a pet, but a hamster doesn’t quite check all the boxes on your new pet wishlist, there are many other options, including guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and some species of birds. Don’t rush this decision. Take time to research and find the best fit for your family before committing to your future furry (or feathered) family member.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Indiana and Lucifer – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Guinness World Records Reviews Bobi’s 'World's Oldest Dog' Title

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Training your pet is a very important task as it will shape them into a friendly, obedient dog that’s a pleasure to be around. While it does require a lot of patience and effort, training your dog on time makes your life as an owner much easier and prevents a myriad of behavior issues and other problems down the road. Of course, it goes without saying that you should start training early, while your doggo is still a puppy. That is the time when they gladly soak up all the information and eagerly learn. But when exactly is the best time to start puppy training? You can’t do it while they are still teeny-tiny, nor should you wait too long. What is the ideal middle ground? Let’s find out.When is the Best Time to Start Puppy Training?Puppies are like sponges, soaking up information from their environment and their owner, so early training can set a solid foundation for good behavior and establish obedience throughout their lives. Ideally, you can start basic training such as housebreaking, socialization, and simple commands like "sit" and "stay" when your puppy is around 8 weeks old. This is the general “golden rule” that many owners stick by. When they reach that 2-month mark, it’s considered the ideal time for them to quickly grasp the commands you teach them. If you think that this could be “too early” to start training, you are wrong. There are numerous benefits to early training, and all of them are critical for your dog’s well-being and normal behavior. Here are just a few of them:SocializationEarly socialization is so important for puppies. It allows them to learn how to properly interact with other dogs and humans and prevents aggression and behavioral problems later in life. During this period you should expose your pet to new environments, sounds, and sights.BondingTraining sessions are a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. Spending time together, teaching them new things, and rewarding good behavior builds trust and a positive relationship.Preventing Behavioral IssuesIf you spot behavior issues while your dog is still a puppy, it is easier to prevent them from becoming nasty habits. As you teach your pet proper behavior and as you set up boundaries, you will prevent many nasty issues from forming, such as excess chewing, barking, or disobedience. If you already notice chewing issues that stem from teething, make sure to redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy and use  puppy no-chew deterrent sprays to help you shift their focus.

Dog Facial Recognition App Helps Scientists Fight Against Rabies

In countries where dogs aren’t microchipped, don’t wear tags, and usually run free, it’s challenging for authorities to determine which dog has already been vaccinated for rabies. A new mobile phone app could help improve rabies vaccination by identifying dogs using facial recognition technology.A team of researchers from Washington State University tested the app’s effectiveness in a rabies vaccination clinic in Tanzania, where they microchipped, vaccinated, and registered dogs. The idea behind this project is to take a picture of a dog’s face during initial vaccination. Then the picture needs to be entered into the database via the app, along with other important information, such as the dog’s age, sex, and coat color. When veterinarians return to the same area, they will take a facial photo of each dog they come across. If the app finds a close match in the database, it will notify the vet, who can then decide whether the vaccinated dog in the database is indeed the same dog they are currently examining. A vaccination team testing the app visited nine villages in Tanzania, where they photographed and vaccinated 1,420 dogs. After the initial check, 20 images were deemed unusable, leaving exactly 1,400 to work with. All of these photographs were added to the app’s database.Later, a different validation team visited the same villages, assessing 720 dogs via the app, not knowing which dogs were already vaccinated, and entered into the app’s database. Once again, some photos were deemed unusable for the study - 161 were rejected.Using those images, the app helped the team to correctly identify 76.2% of vaccinated dogs and 98.9% of unvaccinated dogs. These findings were confirmed using microchips that were implanted under the dogs’ skin when they were vaccinated, as part of the study.“Because domestic dogs are the main reservoir for human rabies, controlling human rabies globally requires the mass vaccination of dogs,” said Felix Lankester, WSU Associate Professor and the lead investigator of the study. Scientists are working to optimize the app’s registration process to minimize the number of rejected photos. “When carrying out mass vaccination, one of the major problems that we face is trying to identify which dogs have and haven’t been vaccinated. For example, microchips are too expensive to use at the scale needed to eliminate rabies, and collars can be removed by owners. We developed this app to see if facial recognition might work, and it’s showing great promise in helping us achieve that goal,” Professor Lankester added. The facial recognition algorithm used by the app is developed in collaboration with Canadian company PiP My Pet. It identifies a dog by looking at key features of its face and comparing it to previously stored photos of the faces of other dogs. Photos with the highest number of similar features are shown as possible matches, leaving it to the user to pick the right one.The app’s success depends on the image quality and information about each dog being properly recorded. Before unusable images and incorrect information about dogs were removed from the database, users were only able to match around 65% of the vaccinated dogs.For the time being, users must be online to use the app’s facial matching feature, but Lankester and his team are working to make the app operational even offline. “We’re not quite there yet, but I think with the investment, the technology can get there. I am excited by its potential,” Lankester said.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Senior Leaves $2.8 Million Estate to Pets, Not Kids

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New Study Shows Surprising Effect of Pet Ownership on Seniors

You’ve probably noticed how your four-legged bestie influences your mood for the better, but did you know that your pet might be beneficial to your brain? That’s right! The latest studies show that your pet and their company could be just the thing to lower the risk of dementia in your golden years. These findings are especially important for single senior pet owners who are at risk of this troubling illness as they reveal that having a pet can make a drastic change. A recent study that involved adults over the age of 50 who lived alone revealed that those living in the company of a loved pet will have considerably less decline in their verbal fluency and verbal memory - compared to those who lived without a pet. This research was published in the  journal JAMA Network Open and was based on data taken from 7,945 people in the mentioned age group.This study, however, only reflects on people who live alone and does not involve participants who lived with other persons in the household. Still, while the results reinforce the fact that loneliness is a major risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in old age, they also reveal something new – that the company of a pet counts as much as the company of human family members, if not more so.The early signs of cognitive decline can be fluency, verbal issues, cognition, and memory problems, and so on. But if you have the company of a pet, whom you can address and care for, can greatly reduce the feelings of loneliness and keep these cognitive issues at bay. This study and its results are very important in today’s day and age and for many Americans in particular. Recent U.S. Census Bureau insights revealed that almost 28 percent of all households in the United States were “one-person households” in 2020. This is an alarmingly large number and shows us that many people aged 50 and older will face lonely senior years. Of course, even though the results of this study show that older people can maintain their mental health through the company of a pet, the research team emphasized that more advanced studies and clinical trials will be required to fully confirm the results. Yet even so, the lack of an effective therapy that can reverse or slow cognitive decline and treat dementia means that these results are a small but very important benefit for the understanding of these issues. And, needless to say, all those who are entering their senior years and want to spend them in a healthier and more beneficial way now know that their next station should probably be a local pet shelter. Find a pet you can love and cherish - and keep your brain healthy while showering them with affection.

New Study Searches for the Secret Connection Between ‘Gifted’ Dogs

As dog parents, we all want to believe that our dog is the smartest, most incredible, most amazing dog out there. Right? But there is a select group of dogs whose talent and intelligence stand out above the rest. What makes these dogs so bright? That’s what a new study hopes to understand… Known as “Gifted Word Learner” (GWL) Dogs, these dogs display an impressive vocabulary by learning the names of dozens of their toys, with some learning as many as 125 toys by name! Interested in better understanding this phenomenon and what makes these dogs so naturally gifted, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary set out to identify any commonalities between these pups. Their recent study, published in Scientific Reports on December 14, included 41 GWL dogs from nine countries: the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Hungary. They put out a call for ‘gifted’ dogs, asking owners to complete and submit a self-assessment following their detailed instructions and send the results in a video. Dogs that passed that phase were then given an online vocabulary assessment test to better assess their language skills. The owners were also given a questionnaire to provide a better understanding of each dog’s life experience. “In the questionnaire, we asked the owners about their dog’s life experience, their own experience in raising and training dogs, and about the process by which the dog came to learn the names of his/her toys,” explained Dr. Andrea Sommese, study co-author. Researchers discovered some interesting connections between the GWL dogs using all this information.

Research Finds That Rats Have Imagination

Do animals have imagination? Many people wonder if animals are capable of imagining things in their minds the same way that humans can. Could a rat, for example, use their imagination? Recent research has shown that, yes, they can, at least to a similar degree as people.

Royal Corgis Make Way for Jack Russell Terriers

New palace pooches get the royal treatment they deserve.

How to Clean Dog Diarrhea From Carpet

Sure, sharing your life with a dog is fun and your days are filled with love, but sometimes, it can get messy. Like, real messy. After all, even though we love them, dogs are not the neatest of animals out there (that title would go to kitties, I’m afraid). In the daily life of a dog owner, there is bound to be a bit of dirt, hair, and - inevitably, poop – to clean up after your pet. And as if picking up poop from the street after your pet wasn’t bad enough, sometimes accidents happen inside your home, and the messes are that much harder to clean. Especially when you’re dealing with diarrhea and not your regular ole poop situation. But even though it’s far from pleasant to clean up after, it’s not the end of the world if an accident happens. While it can be difficult to thoroughly clean dog diarrhea embedded in the carpet fibers, everything can be cleaned if you are persistent enough – and know how to approach the issue. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you clean dog diarrhea from carpet – stains and smell both.How to Clean Dog Diarrhea from Carpet: Step by StepNow, keep in mind that cleaning dog diarrhea from a carpet can be a messy task, but it's important to clean it thoroughly and as quickly as possible to prevent lasting stains and lingering odors. Even if you are disgusted by the sight before you, it is necessary to keep at it until the job’s done. Someone has to do it, right? And we all know it ain’t gonna be your pooch.So, first things first, you’ll need to gather supplies. It is always good to have them handy and keep them stored in a secure cabinet. You never know when an accident can happen and they will be needed, so be sure to be stocked on  pet-safe cleaning supplies (if you’re not already, now is a perfect time to pick up all of your basic necessities). 

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Barking When They’re Home Alone?

Dogs are very affectionate beings, and can form incredible bonds with their owners – but this also means that they would love to be by their side at all times. Sometimes, however, this is just not possible. Their owners have to  work, go to the store, or finish chores out of home and they can’t always take their pets with them. And when you leave your pooch all by their lonesome, they often think it’s the end of the world – you’ve abandoned them for good, even when you’re away for like 25 minutes. This can result in anxiety, restlessness, and a lot of barking. Some dogs – in fact – just won’t stop barking or howling until you come back. How can you bring an end to this behavior, and prevent all the excess barking? And how can you let your pet know that leaving for a little bit is no big deal? Let’s find out. Battles with Barks: Why Dogs Bark When Alone and How to Stop ItExcessive barking when a dog is home alone can be a common issue for a lot of owners, and addressing it requires a combination of training, environmental management, and sometimes, the help of professionals. Above all, it requires patience. However, there are a number of factors that come into play when such situations occur. To make your dog calmer, quieter, and ready to accept your absence, you should take a closer look at the daily routine the two of you share.First, consider if you're providing enough physical and mental stimulation. Physical exercise is crucial for a dog's well-being. Keep in mind that a tired dog is generally a content and quieter dog. So, before you leave, make sure that they have ample exercise, fun, and outside time. If they “emptied their batteries”, they are more likely to remain calm and just snooze while you are out. Of course, to make sure you always fulfill these exercise requirements, you will have to establish a consistent daily routine. Just like humans, doggos too depend on the routine they can follow. This routine helps them feel secure and understand when to expect certain events like meals and walks. If they get used to a daily chain of events, they will expect you to leave and be okay with it.  Interactive toys that provide mental stimulation or dispense treats are also a great thing to utilize when battling anxiety or boredom-induced barking. They can help your dog stay occupied during your absence. As they get involved in playing with the toy, dogs will tire out, keep themselves busy, and not make such a big deal about your absence. With a toy, alone time can actually be enjoyable for a dog.

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