Five Core Advantages of Keeping Hamsters
1. Low Cost & High Cost-Effectiveness
The initial investment only requires 200-500 RMB (for basic cages + supplies), and the monthly expense is approximately 30-100 RMB (for hamster food + bedding)—far lower than that of pets like cats and dogs.
There’s no need for high-cost expenses such as vaccinations or grooming, making it easily affordable for students or those with a limited budget.
2. Low Maintenance
Hamsters have strong self-care abilities: they can eat and clean themselves independently (using sand baths). For short business trips (3-5 days), you only need to prepare enough food and water.
Their solitary nature avoids fights between multiple pets, so keeping a single hamster is sufficient to meet your pet-keeping needs.
3. Therapeutic & Stress-Relieving
Watching hamsters’ behaviors like running on wheels or hoarding food can promote dopamine secretion, relieving anxiety and stress.
Their fluffy texture and cute interactions (such as climbing into your palm) provide immediate emotional comfort.
4. Space-Friendly
Only a basic cage (47cm in size) is needed, which is suitable for dormitories, small apartments, or rental houses and doesn’t take up much space.
They are quiet and won’t disturb others; the noise from their nighttime activities is minimal (except for teeth grinding), making them ideal for people sensitive to noise.
5. Educational Significance
Helps children learn a sense of responsibility and life education. Tasks like feeding and cleaning cultivate patience in children.
Their short lifespan (2-3 years) can naturally guide children to understand the life cycle.
Potential Issues to Note
Nocturnal Activity: They may make noise from running on wheels or chewing on the cage in the early morning, so avoid placing the cage in the bedroom.
Escape Risk: Choose a cage with gaps ≤1cm to prevent hamsters from escaping and damaging furniture or wires.
Suitable Crowds
Busy office workers/students, people living in small spaces, new pet owners with limited budgets, and families hoping to cultivate a sense of responsibility in their children.