Q&A for How to Convince Your Parents to Get You a Hamster

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Question

What is the cheapest hamster?

Community Answer

Usually, Syrian hamsters are the cheapest, though it depends on where you live and what your local pet store carries.

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Question

What if your parents tell you they don't want another pet?

Community Answer

You have to respect their opinion too. Try not to be pushy about getting one, even if they say no. They still might change their mind, but give them some time to think about it. If you prove you're responsible, they might decide that you can handle it.

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Question

On a scale of 1 to 10, how easy (or hard) is it to look after a hamster?

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Community Answer

It's between 5, and maybe 9 for some people. It's not that hard, You just need a cage, food, and water for them, some little chew toys, and maybe some tunnels. You also have to spend time with them daily, most likely during night time or evening since they are nocturnal.

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Question

What if my mom hates the smell of hamsters

Community Answer

With proper cage cleaning and attention, hamsters actually don't smell! Often, the hamster "smell" comes from the shavings in the bottom of the hamster cage, so change them regularly and make sure you remove any hamster dumping as soon as you see them :)

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Question

What if I already have a dog?

Community Answer

That's fine. You can just keep the cage firmly closed and out of reach from the dog. If the dog is very large or aggressive towards small animals, you should keep the cage in a place that's out of reach or inaccessible for the dog.

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Question

Is it okay to leave a hamster for a few days while on vacation?

Community Answer

It is, but you need to have someone responsible for watching your hamster. Even if you leave them with food and water, it's very possible (and even likely) that they would consume all of the food long before you got home. Someone needs to check on the hamster daily and refill their food and water.

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Question

No matter how much I talk to my parents about it, they never talk about it. I have been following all of these steps for almost two years now. What do I do?

Community Answer

Sit your parents down and really talk about it. It helps if you're alone and all distractions are turned off; this way they have no reason to ignore you. Also, it helps if they are in a good mood when you ask.

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Question

My last hamster died, how do I convince them it won't happen again?

Community Answer

Hamsters die, it is part of the cycle of their very short lives. Perhaps your parents need to be more aware of the lifespan of a hamster. You could inform them of the fact. On the other hand, if you caused its death, you need to prove you're now responsible and capable of caring for a pet. They may or may not agree but you must be genuine.

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Question

What if you offered to pay for it but they say no anyway?

Community Answer

Sometimes parents just don't want pets. Or, your parents may think there are already enough pets. Perhaps just keep waiting and ask again at another time when they've had time to really think it over and to realize that your enthusiasm hasn't abated.

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Question

My stepdad had a bad experience with a hamster, but I really want one. What should I do?

Community Answer

All hamsters are different, so bring that up when you talk about getting one. Most hamsters, if tamed properly, are kind and don't bite when being handled. Mention this, and your stepdad may reconsider.

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Question

How long can I leave a hamster alone without someone looking after it?

Community Answer

You can leave your hamster alone for a maximum of 2 days. Make sure that when you leave, you have replaced the water and refilled the food.

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Question

No matter what I do to show my mom I am responsible enough for a hamster, my mom always says no because she thinks they are too smelly and a lot of work. I tell her that I will pay for EVERYTHING, and still says no, what can I do?

Community Answer

You can write your mom an essay about hamster care and that might convince her.

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Question

How do I convince my parents to get me a better cage for my hamster?

Community Answer

You can tell them that the cage is too small, or offer to pay for it with your own money.

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Question

Can I put a hamster on the same table as a fish?

Community Answer

Sure thing! There's nothing wrong with keeping a hamster and a fish in the same location

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Question

What happens if your parents are light sleepers? Will the hamster wake them up because it's scratching at it's cage?

Community Answer

Let your parents know all the ups and downs of having a hamster, try to find more ups and solutions to counter the downs. For example, if the hamster scratching might wake them up, suggest that it be moved downstairs and cover the cage with a blanket.

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Question

Do hamsters harm you.

Community Answer

Hamsters can bite you if they're scared. Always make sure it sees you before you pick it up, and never pick it up from the back. Avoid squeezing your hamster when you pick it up, instead, cup it gently and let it step into your hands

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Question

But I have baby sister ( 3 years old ) and I tried to convince them but it seems like there main response is " no you have a little sister that will harm it "

Community Answer

Assure your parents that you won't let the hamster out of the cage, so there's no chance for the hamster to harm your little sister. Clean the hamster cage every day and that you'll wash your hands after you interact with the hamster so your baby sister doesn't get sick

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Question

My parents just ignore the qustion

Community Answer

Ask them to sit down and meet with you so you can talk it over. Don't tell them what the meeting will be about, so they come to it with an open mind!

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Question

Do hamsters love people? (My mom only wants a pet that loves people.)

Community Answer

Hamsters love people that treat them correctly. They will learn to love everyone they meet, as long as you and your mom work together to have the hamster get used to you two. As long as they are happy, they will be a loving part to your life.

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Question

What should I do if my hamster hurts himself?

Community Answer

You can take your hamster to a vet and have him examined for injuries.

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Question

My mom has asthma and she thinks that hamsters can get mites and shed a lot. Is it true, and can I still get a hamster?

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Community Answer

Not true. Just use dust-free bedding and change it frequently/weekly. Aspen shavings are good. To prevent mites, freeze the bedding 48 hours before use.

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Question

I too have a 3-year-old sister and I tried many things to convince them, what do I do? My mom speaks fluent English and my dad does not, so it's hard.

Community Answer

Show them images of cage examples (an IKEA Detolf cage or 40-gallon tank is good) as well as how you will set up the cage, etc. Research a lot. I researched for 2 years before I got mine.

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Question

Which hamster is friendlier to people, Syrian or dwarf?

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Community Answer

Syrians are the way to go! They like to be picked up more than dwarfs and are great for beginners.

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Question

How can I manage my time with a hamster if I am busy from morning until the evening?

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Community Answer

It's actually best if you spend time with him around evening or night time.

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Question

What if I don't want to pay?

Community Answer

Ask around and see if any of your friends have a hamster they are trying to get rid of, or that you can babysit for a short amount of time!

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Question

My parents say it will keep me up all night.

Community Answer

While they're correct that hamsters are nocturnal (they stay awake at night), they're not particularly loud. Usually a fan or a white noise machine is enough to drown out any noise they might be making, and once you're asleep, they definitely won't wake you up.

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Question

My mom thinks I can't clean up after it what should I do and say to her

Community Answer

Prove your responsibility to your mom by cleaning up around the house and doing other chores!

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Question

My uncle's dad has hamsters. They told me when their mother hamster gives birth to baby hamsters they will give one to me. How long will I have to wait to adopt the hamster?

Community Answer

The babies can be taken away from their mothers at 3-4 weeks old. If they are rather small or still clinging onto their mothers, they should leave them for an extra week, but separate the genders, as they can mate with one another earlier than you think.

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Question

If I have cats, will they go crazy?

Community Answer

Possibly. It's best to keep your cats (and any other animals) away from your hamster for its own safety. Keep the cage in a place that your cats cannot access.

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Question

What if your parents are not animal lovers?

Community Answer

Assure your parents that a hamster is easy to care for and won't get in their way very often

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