Hamsters are not related to rats. They are in the same family as rabbits and guinea pigs. The common hamster is a member of the subfamily Cricetinae which contains about 25 species classified in six or seven genera.
The hamster is the largest species in the genus Phodopus measuring 16 to 18 cm (6.3 to 7.1 in) long excluding the tail and 9 to 11 cm (3.5 to 4.3 in) across at the shoulders. The weight of an adult hamster varies between 140 and 210 g (4.9 and 7.4 oz).
Theangle of the two lines on the forehead meeting at the nose is less than 90° so that the front of the head forms a triangular shape. The coat is thick and can be long or short depending on the species but is typically dense and soft. The hamster’s coat may be black grey brown or blonde but there is usually a light-colored band running along the side of the head.
The hamster’s cheek pouches are large and extend to the shoulders. When full the cheeks can make their heads double in size. Hamsters can carry food in their cheek pouches to their nests though they rarely do so. Hamsters have very good hearing and are very sensitive to high-pitched noises.
The hamster’s eyes are black and prominent and the whiskers are long. The hamster’s hind legs are longer than its front legs and the hind feet have four toes each while the front feet have only five toes each. The tail is not visible or is very short.
The female hamster has a reproductive tract that includes two ovaries and a uterus but no vagina. The testes in the male are located internally.
Hamsters are born blind and hairless and reach sexual maturity in about six weeks.
The average litter size is six but can be up to 24.
Hamsters typically live for two to three years although some have been known to live up to 10 years in captivity.
In the wild hamsters are active during the night but when kept as pets they may be active at any time of day.
Hamsters are typically solitary but some species can live in groups.
Hamsters are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods including plants insects and small animals.
Hamsters have been known to hoard food in their cheek pouches and may hide as much as a third of their food.
Hamsters are popular pets and are kept for their cute appearance and docile nature. They are usually easy to care for and can be kept in a small cage. However hamsters can be aggressive and may bite if they are handled too roughly.
How are hamsters related to rats?
Hamsters are related to rats because they are both rodents.
