World Hamster Day Date in the current year: April 12, 2024

Hamsters are rodents that belong to the subfamily Cricetinae. There are nineteen hamster species, four of which are commonly kept as pets due to their small size and cuteness: the golden Hamster (Syrian hamster), Campbell’s dwarf hamster, the Roborovski hamster, and the winter white dwarf hamster (Djungarian hamster). Syrian hamsters have been bred to be kept as pets for so long that numerous variations have developed through selective breeding, with varying hair lengths and colors ranging from white to black.

Syrian hamsters are solitary, territorial creatures who will fight and may severely injure each other, sometimes fatally, if kept in the same cage. Dwarf hamsters may tolerate hamsters of the same gender if introduced properly and at an early enough age, but there is no guarantee. The upside is that you can adopt just one hamster without worrying that it will feel lonely without a buddy, like, say, a ferret might.

A pet hamster won’t take up much space in your house or apartment, but it will need a proper setup to thrive. You will have to purchase a cage or aquarium, nesting and bedding materials, a nesting box, an exercise wheel, a food dish, a water bottle, and various toys to keep your pet entertained. And don’t forget about food and treats! Even though store-bought hamster food is supposed to meet their nutritional needs, it is recommended to give your hamster fresh fruit and vegetables (while keeping in mind that not all fruit and veggies are good for them).

There are a couple more things you should know before deciding to adopt a hamster. First, hamsters are crepuscular, i.e. active primarily early in the morning and late in the evening, which can actually be great if you work 9 to 5 because you will have the opportunity to properly bond with your pet. Second, hamsters have a very short lifespan: they typically live no more than 2 to 4 years, depending on the species, so you should be prepared to say goodbye to your hamster buddy at any point after they turn two.

The origins of World Hamster Day are unclear, but this should not stop you from celebrating these amazing creatures. The best way to observe Hamster Day would be by adopting a hamster – of course, not before making sure that you will be able to provide your pet with everything they need. Hamsters may be relatively low-maintenance pets, but they do have needs that must not be neglected.

If you already own a hamster, celebrate the holiday by giving them some delicious treats or adding fun new toys to their enclosure for enrichment. And don’t forget to snap a photo of your little hamster buddy and share it on social media with the hashtags #WorldHamsterDay and #HamsterDay to spread the word about the holiday.

Finally, one more great way to get involved with World Hamster Day, regardless of whether you own own a pet hamster or don’t (yet), is by donating to an animal rescue that saves and re-homes hamsters in need of a new loving home.