Would a hamster make a good pet for you?

Hamsters vs. Gerbils: What’s the Difference?

One important difference when choosing a small pet: hamsters are nocturnal, while gerbils are active during the day. This means your hamster will be most active at night. So that is something to consider if you’re a light sleeper or hoping for daytime companionship.

What to Know Before Getting a Hamster

1. Are You a Night Owl?

Hamsters are most active after dark. If you’re a night owl, a hamster can be a fun, interactive companion in the late hours. However, their nighttime activity — including wheel running and cage chewing — might disturb light sleepers.

If you’re rarely home in the evening or work overnight shifts, a hamster may not be the right fit.
 

2. Adopt, Don’t Shop

Avoid pet store hamsters, as they’re often bred in poor conditions and prone to health issues like wet tail, a contagious and serious diarrheal disease. Whenever possible, adopt from a local animal shelter or small animal rescue.
 

3. Health Risks to Consider

While hamsters are generally low-risk pets, they can carry:

• Salmonella
• Campylobacter
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)

These zoonotic diseases can pose a serious risk to:

• Pregnant women
• Young children under 5
• People with weakened immune systems

Always practice good hygiene and supervise children around small animals.
 

4. Are Hamsters Good Pets for Kids?

Despite their small size, hamsters aren’t ideal pets for very young children. They:

• Wake up at night, when kids are asleep
• Are easily startled by sudden movements
• Can bite if handled roughly or awakened from sleep

Children under 8 years old often lack the motor skills and self-control to handle hamsters safely. Always supervise interactions to keep both your child and pet safe.