Hamsters are delightful animals. Although they’re often considered a popular first pet for children, parents invariably end up enchanted by their hamsters’ antics.
Hamsters are tiny, which is endearing. They also have expressive faces, including big eyes, that remind us of human babies, something we’re genetically hardwired to find adorable.
Consider the unpredictable behavioral habits of hamsters, and you have the recipe for a lovely pet.
What is the Cutest Hamster Breed?
Cuteness is in the eye of the beholder. Different hamster species have varying habits and appearances, so it stands to reason that everybody will have a disparate idea of what makes a hamster the cutest.
For some people, Russian Dwarf Hamsters will always be irresistibly adorable. They can live together, so they’re good for people who want to watch their pets interact.
Due to their appearance, Syrian Hamsters are often called ‘teddy bear hamsters.’ This is arguably the ‘classic’ appearance of a hamster. Visualize a hamster, and it’s likely a Syrian. Once tamed, Syrians are friendly and can form strong bonds with their owners.
If you think that small is beautiful, consider getting a Roborovski dwarf hamster. This is the smallest species, which is no mean feat. While they’re cute, they’re not keen on handling and cuddling.
Why are Hamsters So Adorable?
It’s perhaps surprising that hamsters are considered cute. After all, they’re part of the same family as rats and mice (the order of Rodentia), which are small animals that cause many people to scream.
Frontiers in Psychology explains how humans are conditioned to find some animals cuter than others, most notably those that remind us of babies and infants.
Let’s look into hamsters’ endearing habits and charming physical attributes to identify why so many people have fallen in love with these animals over the years:
Size And Proportions
There’s something irresistible about a pint-sized pet that fits into the palm of our hand.
The smallest hamster species, the Roborovski, reaches just two inches in length, and even the largest Syrian will only be around seven inches.
When an animal is so small, it feels harmless and needy, inspiring the human desire to care for and nurture the hamster. Thankfully, most species will grow to welcome this bond once trust is established.
Facial Expressions
Hamsters pull a range of faces throughout their days, many of which amuse people. Think back to the early days of YouTube and the infamous “dramatic hamster” video.
The Syrian hamster, especially, has a memorable face. Due to their large black eyes and distinctive features, they’re often affectionately called teddy bear hamsters.
Stuffing Cheeks
One of the most charming habits of hamsters is stuffing their cheeks.
Whether collecting and storing food supplies or moving bedding around to create a nest, watching a hamster wander around with bulging cheeks never gets old.
If you want to watch your hamster stuff its cheeks, hide food in its substrate, as you’ll appeal to its foraging instincts.
Your hamster will have fun rummaging around its cage, gathering food, and stuffing its cheeks. Your hamster will likely take this bounty back to its bed and enjoy the feast.
Sweet And Cuddly Nature
Hamsters are loving pets that can develop strong bonds with their owners.
That’s not an immediate occurrence, as hamsters are understandably afraid of humans at first. Earn a hamster’s trust, and you’ll have a new best friend.
Hamsters show their affection by welcoming handling. If the hamster steps onto the palm of your hand, embrace this by stroking it. The hamster will love this, likely falling asleep as it’s so relaxed.
Attempting to Escape
Hamsters are like little Houdinis, always seeking creative ways to escape their enclosures.
Watching a hamster plotting its escape is often hilarious. Seeing the cogs whirring in its brain is endlessly amusing as it climbs bars and looks for a hatch to squeeze through.
Daredevil Spirit
Hamsters love to attempt death-defying feats when running loose, especially taking a running jump from the edge of a table or climbing to great heights.
Even within a cage, a hamster may climb to the top, use the ceiling as a set of monkey bars and drop to the ground. A deep substrate (6+ inches) will create a soft landing.
Yawning and Stretching
The sight of a hamster yawning and stretching after a long sleep will melt even the hardest of hearts. It’s usually the precursor to a hamster beginning its daily routine.
Yawning is among a hamster’s most expressive behaviors, so ensure you understand what a hamster communicates with this gesture. It’s likely saying, “I feel good after a long sleep.”
Making Their Bed
Hamsters love to make their beds, getting everything exactly how they want it.
Don’t be offended if a hamster changes how you prepare its sleeping area. Nesting is one of the animal’s most overriding instincts.
Leaving materials on the floor of the cage is the ideal scenario. This way, the hamster can choose how it wants to set up a bed. It’ll also give the hamster something to do, preventing it from getting bored.
Grooming
Hamsters are fastidiously clean, and watching them groom will never be anything less than enchanting.
Despite their diminutive size, hamsters spend around ten minutes or more grooming themselves, contorting themselves into various positions.
A hamster taking a sand bath is even more entertaining. It’ll roll around in the sand, half-washing itself and half-playing. When done, it’ll emerge with sleek and shiny fur.
Eating
Few sights can compare to the charm of watching a hamster eat. Consider filming the experience on your phone and zooming in for insight.
The hamster will sit on its behind, potbelly visible, snack clutched in both front paws while it nibbles.
Freezing on the Spot
Another amusing habit that hamsters have is freezing on the spot. The hamster may be scurrying around the room, lost in its own world when suddenly it freezes and stops moving.
Sometimes, the explanation is fear. More often, a silent, staring, and completely still hamster has had its imagination captured by something. It’s trying to scent and hear something to understand it better.
If you don’t consider hamsters cute, you haven’t spent enough time in their company.
Watching a hamster go about its business is adorable. Hamsters may not live long, but their charm leaves tiny paw prints on our hearts forever.
