When it comes to choosing a small, adorable, and low-maintenance pet, rats and hamsters are two popular options that often come to mind. Both are commonly kept as pets due to their compact size and unique personalities. However, before bringing home a new furry friend, it’s essential to understand the similarities and differences between pet rats and hamsters. In this blog post, we’ll explore their characteristics, behavior, and needs, allowing potential pet owners to make an informed decision that aligns with their preferences and lifestyle.
Similarities
Rats and hamsters share some common traits that make them both appealing pets:
- Small Size: Both rats and hamsters are relatively small animals, making them ideal for people with limited living space and no back yard!
- Live in Cages: Both rats an hamsters feel safest when given an enclosure to live in, though they do enjoy some time to roam your house with you.
- Lifespan: Rats and hamsters have relatively short lifespans compared to some other pets. This might be an advantage if you don’t want to make a long-term commitment.
- Affordability: Rats and hamsters are generally affordable pets to own and care for. Their food, bedding, and other supplies are relatively inexpensive compared to larger pets, making them accessible to a wide range of pet owners. With that said, their vet care can still be quite expensive.
- Entertainment and Companionship: Both rats and hamsters can provide entertainment and companionship to their owners. Watching them explore their environment, play with toys, and interact with their humans can bring joy to the household!
Differences between rats and hamsters
While rats and hamsters may have some similarities, there are distinct differences between them that potential pet owners should consider:
| Pet Rats | Hamsters | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Rats can grow up to 11″ in body length, not including the tail. | Hamsters are smaller, with a body length of around 2-5″. |
| Diet | Rats are omnivores, eating a mix of plant-based and animal-based foods. | Hamsters are also omnivores, enjoying a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, veggies, and occasional proteins. |
| Cage | Rats need about 2 – 2.5 cubic feet per individual. They need cages with bars, rather than tanks, because they love to climb and need good ventilation. Rats will also dig tunnels if given deep enough bedding. | Hamsters need a minimum of 3 square feet of floor space. They can live in glass tanks or cages, and don’t need the climbing height that rats do. Hamsters prefer burrowing to climbing. |
| Noise Level | Rats are fairly quiet pets. You may hear the odd squeak, and the sound of rats wrestling each other. | Hamsters are also relatively quiet, but they can be more active at night. |
| Lifespan | Rats live for 2 to 3 years on average. Dwarf rats tend to live longer than standard rats. | Hamsters typically live 2 to 3 years. Syrian hamsters tend to live longer than dwarf hamsters. |
| Smell | Rats have a minimal smell, especially if their cage is kept clean. Male rats may be muskier than females. | Hamsters also have a minimal smell when their cage is kept clean. |
| Maintenance Required | Rats need food and water every day, and a deep cleaning of their cage 1-2 times a week. | Hamsters also need fresh food and water daily. Their cages need to be cleaned about once a week. |
| Grooming Needs | Rats groom themselves and don’t need water baths. If you like, you can trim their nails to prevent scratches. | Hamsters will also keep themselves clean and don’t need water baths. |
| Temperament | Rats are cautious at first, but can be very affectionate once they bond with their owners. They normally don’t bite, unless they feel threatened. | Hamsters are more solitary by nature. Some of them don’t mind being handled, though. Hamsters have a reputation for biting more so than rats. |
| Exercise Needs | Rat cages should be designed with activity and enrichment in mind to keep them fit and healthy. Rats also enjoy 1-2 hours each day of indoor free roam time to run around the room and explore. | Hamsters also need exercise and enjoy running in wheels. They don’t necessarily need time outside of their cage, but most do enjoy some free roam time. |
| Common Health Concerns | Rats often suffer from respiratory illness, tumors, and head tilts. | Hamsters are known to be fairly hardy, though they can become hurt or sick. |
| Vet Care Cost | Vet care for rats can be as costly as with a dog or cat. They sometimes need surgery or ongoing medications. | Like rats, hamsters are considered exotic pets and can be very expensive to take to the vet. |
| Legality | Pet rats are illegal in some places, like the province of Alberta, and the states of Hawaii and Alaska. | Hamsters are generally legal to own, but it’s always best to check local regulations. |
| Cohabitation with Other Animals | Rats have to be kept with other rats. With that said, they shouldn’t be left alone with other species of pets. | Hamsters are solitary animals. They prefer to live alone and will even fight other hamsters! |
| Training | Rats can be trained to do tricks and navigate mazes. | Hamsters can also be trained to do simple tricks and tasks. |
| Sleep Schedule | Rats are most awake during dawn and dusk, but will adjust to the schedule of their owners. | Hamsters are nocturnal and are most active during the night. |
| Destructiveness | Rats have strong teeth and can chew through various materials if not provided with appropriate chew toys. | Hamsters also have strong teeth and can chew through plastic and wood if not provided with appropriate chew toys. |
You’ll probably like rats if:
- You want a highly sociable pet that enjoys human interaction
- You’re able to keep a pair or group of rats together. Rats get depressed when kept alone.
- You’re interested in training and teaching tricks to your pet. Rats are highly intelligent and love to play games, and even agility courses!
- You enjoy decorating a large cage with plenty of space for climbing, digging and getting exercise.
Pick a Hamster if:
- You prefer a more independent and low-maintenance pet.
- You can only get one animal at a time.
- You have limited space for a smaller enclosure.
- You prefer a pet that is more active during the evening or night.
Do rats or hamsters make better pets for kids?
Rats are more interactive than hamsters, and very curious towards humans. They’re a better choice for kids who want a pet to play with and handle frequently. Rats are also a bit larger and sturdier than hamsters, though they still need gentle hands.
With that said, rats definitely need a higher level of personal attention than hamsters do, and they absolutely need to be kept in pairs or groups with other rats while hamsters will happily live alone.
Hamsters are somewhat less interactive than rats, and a great pet for kids who just enjoy watching their pets inside their enclosures. Most hamsters are more likely to bite than rats, because they don’t tend to enjoy handling as much. (Though they do have smaller teeth!)
Both pets can become a lot more expensive than their low adoption fee suggests, with all of the bedding, enrichment items, and vet care.
Keep in mind that you’ll most likely be the person taking care of them, and supervising interactions. Rats typically need more maintenance than hamsters because of their need for a large cage with lots of enrichment.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between a pet rat and a hamster depends on your individual preferences, lifestyle, and ability to meet their specific needs.
Rats are highly social, intelligent, and require more space, while hamsters are more independent, nocturnal, and can thrive in smaller enclosures.
Whether it’s a rat or a hamster, the bond you form with your pet will be rewarding and unforgettable.
