Chinese Hamster: The Unusual, Mouse Like Pet

The Chinese hamster is one of the less common pet hamsters, and one of the most distinctive. With a slim body and a longer, partly prehensile tail, it looks more like a mouse than the round dwarf species. For owners who want something a little different, it is an interesting and rewarding choice.

Quick facts

• Size: small and slender, around 10 to 12 cm including the tail
• Lifespan: roughly 2 to 3 years
• Housing: best kept alone, they can be territorial
• Best for: owners who want an unusual, gentle, tameable hamster

Temperament and personality

Chinese hamsters are often shy at first, but they are known for taming well with patient handling, and are considered among the more trainable hamsters. They are docile and agile, and many become comfortable being held. Their longer tail can grip gently onto a finger, which owners find endearing. They are calmer than the fast Robo, though their small size still calls for careful handling.

Because they are less common, they are sometimes overlooked in pet shops, and some regions restrict or require a license to keep them. They are a good pick for someone who wants a hamster with a bit more character and a unique appearance.

Housing: keep them alone

Chinese hamsters are best housed alone. While individuals vary, they can fight when kept together, and solitary housing is the safest approach. As with all hamsters, never house males and females together.

Cage and setup

• Space: the same large horizontal floor space as other hamsters
• Bedding: deep, burrow friendly, paper based or aspen
• Wheel: a solid dwarf sized wheel
• Climbing enrichment: they are better climbers than other hamsters, so safe branches and tubes are enjoyed
• Escape proofing: they are slim and agile, so a secure tank or tight barred cage is best

Health note

Some lines of Chinese hamster can be prone to diabetes, so a balanced low sugar diet is sensible. As with all hamsters, watch for changes in thirst, urination, weight, teeth, and coat, and see an exotic vet if anything seems wrong.

Is a Chinese hamster right for you?

Choose a Chinese hamster if you want a calmer, tameable hamster with an unusual look, and you are happy to keep a single pet. Check that they are legal to keep where you live, since some regions restrict them. For the right owner, they are a gentle and characterful companion.