Hamster Day is April 12th! These little guys really do make very cute and lovable pets. Hammie certainly packs a lot of personality into a tiny package! In celebration of our tiniest patients, a Chesapeake, VA veterinarian lists some fun hamster facts below.

They’re Little!

While all hamsters would qualify as small animals, some are really, really small. Some dwarf hamsters only get to be about 2 inches long.

Hammie Can Sprint

Hamsters may be small, but they can move pretty fast on those little legs. They can also run backwards!

What’s In A Name?

The word hamster is derived from the German word ‘hamstern’ which means ‘food storage’. This is a pretty apt name for these cute furballs! In fact, Hammie can carry his own body weight in food inside his cheek pouches.

Hammie Is Nocturnal

This may be one of the few downsides of giving your child a hamster. Hammie is nocturnal, and may keep your little one up at night!

Cousin Joe

Hamsters actually have very sharp memories. They can recognize members of their own families, even after having been separated for years!

They Beg

Because hamsters are hardwired to store food, they’ve become quite the little beggars. Hammie is notorious for stashing snacks, and then pretending he’s really hungry. Don’t fall for it! (Trust us, putting an obese hamster on a diet isn’t fun.)

Lone Hamster

While many pets are quite sociable, Syrian hamsters are a definite exception. They tend to fight their roommates, so they should always be kept alone.

They Have Open-Rooted Teeth …

Wild hamsters often eat tough roots and fibers, which can wear their teeth down. Therefore, those tiny choppers grow continuously. Be sure to offer Hammie plenty of chew toys!

… Which Are Present From Birth

Speaking of teeth, it may interest you to know that Hammie is born with his choppers. He’ll have the same teeth throughout his entire life!

They Need Veterinary Care

Just like any other animal, hamsters need veterinary care. Keep an eye out for signs of trouble, such as vomiting and diarrhea, and call your vet immediately if you notice anything wrong. In many cases, early diagnosis and treatment can take care of medical issues before they get too bad. Ask your vet for more information. Do you have questions about hamster care? Contact us, your local Chesapeake, VA animal clinic, anytime.