Pros and Cons of Keeping Hamsters as Pets: A Comprehensive Analysis
I. Advantages
Compact Size & Easy Care
Hamsters take up little space, and their cage setup costs are low—making them ideal for people with limited living areas.
Relatively Simple Hygiene Management
Hamsters tend to defecate in specific spots. Regularly changing their bedding keeps the environment clean, and they have a mild odor.
Interactive Fun
With training, hamsters can learn simple interactions like "shaking hands" or rolling over, making them great for parent-child bonding.
II. Key Challenges
High Health Risks
They are prone to diseases like wet tail (with a 90% mortality rate) and cheek pouch inflammation. Treatment costs may exceed the initial cost of buying the hamster.
They can carry pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria, and the risk of infection from a bite is relatively high.
Hidden High Maintenance Costs
Long-term expenses for specialized cages, temperature-control equipment, and emergency medical care are often higher than expected. For example, the average cost of emergency vet visits reaches around 420 RMB.
Conflicts with Daily Living Habits
Nocturnal activity (e.g., noise from exercise wheels or chewing) can severely disrupt sleep.
They are destructive and may chew through furniture or electrical appliances.
Short Lifespan & Emotional Gap
Their average lifespan is only 2–3 years. While they are lively and cute when young, their aging process may cause emotional stress for owners.
III. Recommendations
If you decide to keep a hamster, note the following:
Provide a cage of at least 0.5 square meters, a quiet exercise wheel, and a temperature-stable environment.
Avoid housing multiple hamsters together to prevent fatal fights.
Check their health regularly and set aside funds for emergency medical needs.
Hamsters are suitable for owners who can accept their drawbacks; otherwise, they may become a "sweet burden."