World Hamster Day

Show your pet hamster how much you love them with a special treat and some extra attention; if you’re able, consider adopting a little friend of your own.

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Drive hamster supply sales and pet adoption awareness by positioning April as the month to celebrate and upgrade hamster care with treats, toys, and habitat upgrades.

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Hamster care tips: 5 treats your pet will love this World Hamster Day
Adopt a hamster in April—meet rescue hamsters looking for homes
Upgrade your hamster's habitat: cage, bedding & enrichment essentials
Hamster parent spotlight: share your pet's World Hamster Day celebration

History

It’s estimated that hamsters have been around for at least 15 million years, but they weren’t domesticated until the 20th century. This exciting development started when the zoologist Israel Aharoni went on an expedition to look for Syrian hamsters in a cornfield on April 12th, 1930.

The 13 captured critters were then bred to produce the first domesticated hamsters, with the entire population of pet Syrian hamsters (also known as golden hamsters) actually descendants of this original group.

Pet hamsters quickly spread to places such as the US and UK, although they remain in the wild in various European and Asian countries like China, Belgium and Greece. Sadly, the wild version of the Syrian hamster is now considered an endangered species.

These days the most popular type of household hamster is the Syrian variant, with dwarf hamsters also very common.

Like their fellow rodents, they are widely used in laboratories as test subjects in the study of various diseases and medical conditions such as lung cancer, gallstones and pulmonary fibrosis. No wonder these wonderful animals deserve a day of celebration!

FAQ

Did hamsters inspire any unique scientific discoveries?

Hamsters have contributed to research on circadian rhythms. Scientists discovered how light affects biological clocks using hamsters, advancing studies on sleep disorders.

What unusual traits make hamsters unique among rodents?

Hamsters have expandable cheek pouches that extend to their shoulders. They use these pouches to hoard food and even carry small objects.

Are there any hamster-related superstitions or myths?

In some Asian cultures, hamsters are thought to bring financial luck due to their habit of storing food, symbolizing wealth and preparation.

What is hamster racing, and where did it start?

Hamster racing involves hamsters running down a track in small hamster balls. It became a quirky pub game in the UK during the 2000s.

Have hamsters ever been to space?

Yes! In the 1960s, the U.S. sent hamsters to space to study the effects of microgravity on mammals, paving the way for future animal experiments.

Why do hamsters run so much on their wheels?

Hamsters are natural runners, sometimes covering up to five miles a night in the wild. Running helps them stay active and simulate their natural environment.

What’s the origin of the internet-famous ‘Hamster Dance’?

In 1998, the ‘Hamster Dance’ became one of the earliest internet memes. It featured hamsters dancing to a sped-up Disney tune, delighting users worldwide.

Do hamsters have a historical connection to humans?

The first domesticated hamsters were Syrian hamsters captured in 1930. They were bred for research but quickly gained popularity as pets.

What is unique about a hamster’s sense of smell?

Hamsters rely heavily on their noses. They can distinguish individuals and mark territory through scent glands on their flanks.

How do different cultures celebrate hamsters as pets?

In Japan, hamster cafes allow people to spend time with these animals. Meanwhile, in Germany, they host hamster meetups to share care tips.