Hamsters have short lives. If you’re lucky enough, your hamsters can live for five years! The sad fact though is that there will come a time when your pet will leave you. Well, here’s good news – you can always buy another one or adopt a hamster from a rescue center. As the owner of the hamster, you will act as the parent. Try to observe how your parents attend to your needs. That’s how you should act as well.

Hamsters, like humans, thrive in love and stimulation. If you simply leave them inside their cages and feed them irregularly, your pet will surely get sick. There are some things that you should consider when buying hamsters.

The three must-consider are the following:

1. Are you prepared to shoulder the responsibility of caring for the pet? If your answer is yes, then by all means, get your pet hamster from a local breeder, rescue center, or pet shop. But if you’re having second thoughts, don’t even think about buying one. You see, hamsters can thrive on their own when they are in their natural setting. Once you put your pet inside the cage, you are now responsible for its life. Inside the cage, they can’t get their own food and water. The space will also be limited. As the owner, it is your responsibility to provide fresh water and food everyday. You also need to purchase a hamster wheel and some toys to satisfy the active nature of your pet. If you can do all of these things, you won’t have much problem with your new pet.

2. Are you willing to care for a sick hamster? Getting sick is already part of the lives of humans and hamsters as well. What are you going to do when your pet gets sick? Can you afford to pay for a vet check up? When your hamster is not feeling well, you can easily tell it. It’s not a good idea to ignore a pet that’s in pain. Find a local vet and have your pet checked. It’s going to take only a few minutes of your time but this can mean a longer life for your hamster.

3. Can you provide for all its needs? Hamsters need fresh food and water everyday. They need regular exercise, attention, and love. You should be prepared to act as the hamster’s parent. You can start by providing it with a good home, exercise wheel, proper food, water, and many other things.

When you get a new hamster, you will need to get a new home as well. The home should have beddings, nesting box, dish bowl, and other essentials. If you can provide for all the needs of your hamster, your pet will live a longer and happier life.

So, before you make a purchase or adopt a new hamster, read the three must-consider factors. Your answers will serve as your guide whether you should or shouldn’t get a hamster for a pet. What are your answers? If you do decide to get a hamster, you’re in for a delightful treat.