Incredible facts
Hamsters are very cute and fluffy, but there are plenty of things you need to know before adopting them as pets.
By learning more about our pets, we make life easier for them and make them and ourselves happier.
Read also: Top 10 little pets for your child
If you have any problems, you can always go to your local pet store and ask for advice — it will never be redundant.
Here are informative and exciting details that will help you understand the hamster and know more about its needs.
All about hamsters
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1. A hamster is a rodent whose scientific name is “Cricetinae” – the Hamster family includes 29 species that belong to 7 genera. This family also includes mice and lemmings that are familiar to many.
2. The Syrian (golden) hamster is a popular pet; they are docile and even enjoy having people hold them in their hands.
3. The very first hamsters came to us from Syria, but they also lived all over the world: in Greece, Belgium and even in northern China.
4. With proper care and attention, a hamster can live for about 2-3 years.
5. Hamsters are most active closer to night, and it's time for them to sleep during the day. You should not wake them up, and if you want to play, it's best to wait until noon or early evening — by this time they don't want to sleep and their activity is maximum.
6. Being near the owner and playing is the greatest joy for a hamster, so you should pay attention to buying a ball and toys for hamsters or building a small labyrinth.
7. Hamsters, like cats and dogs, are quite intelligent and can respond to their own names. If you talk to a hamster and often mention his name, he will get used to it, and next time he hears it, he will come to you.
8. Hamsters' teeth grow very quickly, so they need to grind them off. Chewing toys or sticks will help with this, and their teeth will be healthy, strong and of the right length.
9. Hamsters keep their habitat clean, so it will be quite easy to tame them to the tray, or at least only one small area will have to be cleaned.
10. Most hamsters can run very fast, and the shape of their legs allows them to even do so backwards.
11. The habit of all hamsters is to hide in different places. By giving them this opportunity, you will allow your pet to take a break from stress by relaxing in a small tube or digging into sawdust.
Interesting facts about hamsters
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12. Roborovsky's hamster is very small and measures up to 4-5 cm in length, while the Syrian hamster can grow up to 13 cm.
13. Hamsters are very easily frightened that this does not happen, it is advisable to approach them from the side, while calling him, or simply saying something.
14. A hamster's proper diet includes up to 10% of fruits and vegetables; it will be happy to eat a piece of banana, strawberry or carrot — the main thing is not to forget to clean food that has been in the cage for more than a day.
15. You can help the hamster keep it clean. It is enough to clean the cage once a month with warm water and a little soap, as well as give them dusty baths – dust for small animals is sold at any pet store, and bathing in such a bath a few hours will help the hamster remove excess fat from the coat and feel comfortable. The main thing is not to forget to bathe the hamster after that.
16. Chocolate contains Theobromine, which is poisonous and can harm your pet. It is also necessary to prevent caffeine or alcohol from entering the cell.
17. Hamsters are born blind, and even as adults, their vision is limited to ten centimeters.
18. Strong perfumes and perfumes can confuse your hamster, because these animals rely heavily on their scent, and it is this feeling that helps them navigate the area and recognize you.
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19. Hamsters have extra space on their cheeks to store their food. Because of this, it may seem that the pet is overeating, but in fact, it is creating food reserves for itself. Sometimes the size of such a “warehouse” can exceed the size of its head by 2-3 times.
20. A hamster will never eat more than normal, and because of this, excess food remains in the cage and begins to rot. Timely replacement of old products with fresh ones will support the hamster's health and improve its living conditions.
21. Hamsters are solitary animals; you should not populate them too close to their relatives.
22. Like humans, hamsters can use their front and back legs to grab food or toys.
23. Although hamsters rarely get sick, going to the vet once a year will be extremely useful.
24. Hamsters, like people, experience changes in their mood — they will be much happier in cozy conditions where there is an opportunity to have fun.