Despite what many people think, buying a pet hamster is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Though it is a small and inexpensive pet whose care is relatively easy, one must be prepared to give that hamster the best care possible including possible veterinary visits if the need arises. Unfortunately, many people today are buying hamsters on impulse for their children or for themselves without careful considerations.

If you're considering adding a hamster to for family, there are a number of things you must keep in mind before making this decision. Though it may seem to be a small decision to you, it's that little hamster's whole life you're deciding!


Do I have time?

Though hamsters don't require the time that a cat or a dog might need, they still take time and energy. Their cages must be kept clean, water must be changed, food must be kept fresh, and they must get some play time outside their cages every day or two as well. If you want your hamster to become tame when held, it takes a long time for it to become used to you and the concept of being picked up. Before buying a hamster, make sure you'll have enough time to care for the little guy or gal.

Do I have the money?

Hamsters don't cost much to keep, but you must be prepared to pay veterinary costs in case your hamster were to fall ill. Like a cat, dog, or other pet, a hamster deserves proper medical attention when it gets sick. Just because the vet bill might be more expensive than the hamster itself doesn't mean that a vet bill isn't worth it! It's necessary for your hamster's well being.

Do I have the patience?

Most pet store hamsters (though I highly recommend looking in to adoption instead) are not tame upon purchase. Taming takes time and practice. Some hamsters are more tamed than others at first, but almost all hamsters will come around eventually if you are patient enough to work with them.

Will he/she get along with the kids?

It should be noted that hamsters are NOT good pets for small children. A small child could easily hurt a creature as delicate as a hamster and if they hold the hamster wrong and spook it there's a possibility of the child being bit. A child aged eight or older can handle a hamster but should not be left solely responsible for its care.

Will my dog/cat get along with the hamster?

This depends on your dog or cat, but the hamster should be physically kept away from dogs and cats at all times. Some dogs and cats will ignore the hamster's cage or possibly sniff it and nothing else. Others will do whatever they can to get in that cage. Unless you've got a space where the dog or cat is unable to access, you should reconsider buying a hamster. You wouldn't want to come home and discover your hamster has become somebody's snack!

What can I expect from my hamster?

Hamsters bring so much joy to the lives of their owners! They like to be pet, which is beneficial for relaxation and lowering blood pressure in humans. They are often fun to watch as each hamster will have its own amusing antics and habits that will make you laugh over and over. They are curious and will enjoy exploring as they crawl all over you. Most importantly, they are among the cutest little pets there are!

If you're considering bring a hamster in to your life, don't forget to keep these questions in mind. If you feel you're ready, don't forget to do extensive research on proper hamster care and choosing a healthy hamster. There are a number of excellent books available as well as sites on the Internet, too. The more you learn, the better hamster caretaker you'll be. Most importantly, however, is that you enjoy the company of your cute new pet

When you decide to add a new cat to your home, it's normally more exiting for you and your family than it is for the cat you already own. Although most cats are solitary by nature, most will also come to accept or eventually tolerate any additions. Cats can be very territorial, which is why you should always be careful when you introduce a new cat to your current cat.

If you are introducing kittens to one another, the entire introduction process can be short, lasting as little as 10 - 15 days. Introducing cats to each other all depends on their temperament and their personality. When you introduce a new cat to your current cat, you should always make sure that you give your current cat plenty of love and attention. This way, your cat will feel secure and know that he isn't in competition with your new cat for affection.

When you bring your new cat home, you should let him stay in a safe room until you have finished introducing the cats. Your safe room can be any small room in your home, such as a bathroom or spare bedroom. The key here is to use a room that your current cat doesn't go in. In the room, you should leave your new cat a scratching post, bed, water dish, litter box, and food dish.

At first, your current cat may howl and hiss when he stands at the door, trying to tell the other cat that he doesn't belong. When this happens you should ignore it, as punishing your cat for his behavior will only lead to more problems. After a while, the first cat will start to act calm when he is near the new cat's door. As he starts to act calm, you should pet him and give him praise.

When your first cat starts to go by your new cat's door and doesn't howl or hiss; you can start introducing them to each other. The best way to do this is to get them used to each others scent. You can start letting them eat out of the same food dish, although you'll want to feed them at different intervals at first. This way, the scent of each cat will be present at the food dish, and each cat will get the scent when he eats his food.

Once both cats have got used to the scent, you can begin to feed them closer together. To do this, you should keep your new cat in the safe room with the door closed, and your first cat on the other side of the door with his food dish. This time, feed both cats at the same time. After doing this a few times, they should start eating without any hissing or growling. At this point, they are ready to be introduced to one another.

When you introduce them to each other in the same room, a bit of growling and hissing is to be expected. Although they may be used to each others scent; your first cat will still feel a bit awkward with your new cat being in his territory. You should play with them both at first, so they can smell one another and greet in their own way. If they start to fight you should break them up, and give them some time apart.

It may take some time to get them fully used to one another, although once they do - they will become playmates for life. Cats love to be social, although it may be a bit rough at first, especially for your first cat. Cats can be very territorial, especially if you have a kitten around. If you get both of them used to each other early on - it will be a lot easier to add future cats to your home.