How to Convince Your Parents to Get a Hamster?

It isn’t uncommon for children to develop a bond with pets at an early age. You might want a tiny, fluffy buddy to play with. Or perhaps you might just love the idea of a hamster. You might be determined, but your parents will need some convincing.

Here’s how to convince your parents to get a hamster that would be a valuable addition to the family;

Table of Contents

Be Prepared

Your parents might doubt your dedication, so starting off on the right foot is a great idea. This will catch them off guard as they will not expect you to do all your research beforehand.

Getting a hamster is a big responsibility. These pets might be cute and cuddly, but you must take proper care of their diet and living conditions. A hamster will require your attention, and you must be prepared since they can live up to 2 years.

Learn all you can find about hamsters. This could be the type of hamster you want, what they eat, how to make them comfortable, and how expensive they can get. You need to keep in mind the vet costs in case they get sick, so it is important to plan for the costs.

You must also match your home environment with the environment the hamster prefers. This may make things easier when you are arguing for the hamster or answering some important questions.

Here are some popular FAQs regarding hamsters;

1. How Expensive is a Hamster in the USA?

Hamsters can be as expensive or affordable as you want them to be. Like all pets, hamsters have various breeds. However, it is also possible to adopt a hamster. On average, buying a hamster can cost around $10 to $30.

Preparing for a hamster can cost you an additional amount. This includes making them comfortable with their environment, investing in some toys or equipment, or buying their food. Fortunately, many hamster lovers post DIY videos regularly. These can reduce costs.

2. What Do I Need to Buy to Prepare for a Hamster?

Here are some things you might need to invest in if you are bringing home a hamster.

The Cage

These can be found in the same pet store. Make sure you ask the pet store owner about the appropriate size that would be best for your hamster.

The Bedding

Your hamster needs to rest or burrow, so you might need to invest in some bedding.

Food

Your hamster needs to eat. Make sure you invest in quality food to extend their life.

Equipment for Feeding

Invest in food trays or water bottles that are easy for your hamster to access.

Toys

Since hamsters are active at night, make sure you are giving them enough toys to play with. This will prevent them from getting lonely.

Other Equipment

You might need to buy your hamster a wheel as they can get lethargic or obese with no exercise.

3. Which Hamster is Best for Me?

Here are some of the main species of hamsters in the USA that you might be offered at the pet store;

Syrian Hamster
Roborovski Hamster
Dwarf Roborovski Hamster
Chinese Hamster
Dwarf Campbell Hamster
Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster

Some hamsters might be smaller than others. Some might be more playful, and others might like their solitude. You need to match your hamsters to your home and personality.

Show Responsibility

A great way to allow your parents to place their trust in you is to show that you are responsible. This does not just mean acting responsibly when they are around. It means adopting healthy habits and helping with chores to prove that you can take care of your hamster.

You can offer to do the dishes or clean around the house. This way, once you bring up the hamster idea, you can show your parents you are ready to take care of them.

The Right Place and Time

Arguing with your parents in the middle of dinner or a party might not be the best way to convince them. This can reflect poorly on your behavior since they may brush it off as a tantrum. It is important to dedicate time and a place for everything.

Try to approach your parents when they are available, ready to listen, and when you have their full attention. Approach the topic calmly and ask them to hear you fully before they add their two cents on the issue.

You need to have a clear understanding of what you plan to say. Sometimes, the wrong words can put someone off. Approaching the topic wisely can help you argue your case better. Practice beforehand or write a letter to your parents if you are apprehensive about facing them head-on.

Don’t Back Down

If you want to get a hamster, it is important to stick to your decision. Don’t waver once your parents list down the reasons why you shouldn’t get one. Be calm and confident and answer your parents’ concerns with solutions. Try to reach a middle ground.

It will not do well to throw a tantrum if your parents refuse outright. Ask them if you can discuss this again later and tell them that you are willing to work hard towards the goal if they let you know what is required of you.

If they are worried about the finances, let them know you are willing to contribute. If your parents are apprehensive about the hamster, perhaps you can show them some cute videos online.

At the end of the day, if your parents bring up some valid concerns, such as phobias or allergies, it is best to back off from the decision. You might even have other pets in the house, which might not get along with the hamster.

FAQs About Buying a Hamster

Here are some of the questions first-time hamster owners usually ask. If you are wondering how to convince your parents to get a hamster, clarify your confusion first!

1. Is a Hamster a Good Pet for a Kid?

Hamsters can be a great pets for children. This is because they are playful and meek. However, you might need to be careful about a few things.

Hamsters are overly sensitive when it comes to people touching them or picking them up. This is because they are small and quite shy. Overstimulation can lead to aggression. It is best to handle hamsters with care and supervise playtime for younger children.

2. When are Hamsters the Most Active?

Hamsters are nocturnal. They love playing at night. If you cannot give them time at night, make sure you place enough toys or bedding that they can play with.

3. Which Hamster is Right for Children?

If you have younger children at home, it is best to buy Syrian Hamsters. These hamsters are much bigger and stronger. They can handle the carelessness of smaller children and don’t get aggressive that easily.

However, for older children, dwarf hamsters are much better. Caretaking can instill responsibility within the child and let them develop a bond. It also shows them the worth of boundaries since hamsters need their privacy and can often get aggressive if forced to play.

4. How Can I Make My Hamster Comfortable?

Some handy tips are important to keep in mind if you are thinking of getting a hamster;

Make sure the hamster cage is big enough for the hamster’s size. Since hamsters often play and run around, they need larger cages.
Make sure your hamster isn’t packed in a cage with no air. This can cause low moods as cages with no ventilation cause a bad odor.
Clean your hamster’s cage since hamsters love cleanliness just as much as you do.
Allow for bedding that promotes burrowing for your hamster.
Avoid introducing another hamster to your previous hamster’s cage, as it can quickly lead to aggression.
Research the ideal temperatures for your hamster and maintain that environment for its health.
Give the hamster enough space to get comfortable before forcing them to play or picking them up.
Give your hamster different kinds of food, so they don’t get bored of the same diet.

It is important to research the best care for a hamster before introducing one to your home. Here’s a handy guide by PetMD.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to convince your parents to get a hamster shouldn’t be that hard. All you need to do is prepare for any questions they might throw your way. Getting a pet is a big responsibility; you must prove to your parents that you are responsible enough to handle it.