When purchasing any pet, it’s important to consider a few metrics and measurements of what to expect. After all, a pet is for a set amount of time, not just for Christmas. That being said, no one could blame you for wishing to know exactly how long that set length of time will be.
This can be an even more pertinent question when purchasing a small pet, with, unfortunately, a shorter lifespan. If purchasing a hamster, you no doubt wish to know how long you will need to take care of it. This helps you prepare for the eventual emotional consequences, but also ensures you can plan your finances more easily around this need.
So - how long do hamsters live? In this post, we’ll explore this question and what that means:
How Many Years Do Hamsters Typically Live for?
Depending on the breed of hamster you are considering, their lifespans can differ. However, they all have quite short lifespans, that will, on average, last around 2 to 2 and a half years.
This can seem like a sad state of affairs, as we can actually become quite attached to our little furry friends. However, this also means that caring for a hamster properly and giving it a fantastic life in a caring environment need not be a herculean commitment.
For this reason, they can serve as fantastic small pets for growing children, or those moving to an area for a shooter span of time. While hamsters have been known to live up to 4 years, that is rare.
What Variables Play into The Length of a Hamster’s Lifespan?
Of course, disease and prior condition before arriving in your own home will play strong part in how long your hamster lives. That being said, even a short life can be filled with love and wonder if you’re ready to provide it.
Some of the variables that can contribute to their lifespan include:
- The kind of species. For instance, Roborovski dwarf hamsters regularly live up to 3 years, while Chinese hamsters live around 2.
- Keeping their environment clean and hygienic.
- Being ready with certain medications should they struggle with illness.
- Placing a running wheel in their cage or giving them opportunities to run and exercise. This will help tremendously, especially when otherwise sedentary in a cage.
What Does This Mean?
Hamsters are important to care for, and are totally reliant on you doing so. That being said, caring for them can be an absolute joy if you give them the time of day, and are proactive about maintaining their health.
While the emotional sadness of losing a hamster can be quite sad, especially for small children, hamsters can serve as a fantastic means of showing any new pet owner the responsibilities and management necessities of caring for a pet.
Furthermore, hamsters are fun, approachable, lovely little creatures that can grant you a sense of companionship, no matter how small they are. No matter how long they live - you will no doubt never forget them.
With this advice - we hope we have answered your question regarding how long hamsters live for.