Hamsters originated from various regions, particularly in the Middle East, with the most well-known species being the Syrian hamster, also known as the golden hamster. These small rodents were first discovered in the wild in 1839 by the Israeli zoologist Israel Aharoni. However, it wasn’t until the late 1930s that they were bred in captivity, primarily for scientific research. The first domesticated hamsters were brought to the United States in 1948, and their friendly demeanour, low maintenance needs, and compact size quickly made them popular pets. As people began to appreciate their playful nature and unique behaviours, hamsters transformed from laboratory subjects to beloved companions, securing their place as one of the most sought-after pets in homes around the world.
So how did a desert rodent – detested and despised by farmers – transform its reputation into a cute, cuddly and simply loveable pocket pet (so named because these guys can literally fit in your pocket!)
I’m glad you asked.
Let’s go back in time to the 19th century – specifically 1829. That’s the year George Waterhouse, a British zoologist, stumbled across one of these small creatures in the Syrian city of Aleppo. For reasons unknown, he called the rodent Cricetus auratus – or golden hamster. He brought the animals back to the United Kingdom where they were enthusiastically greeted as pets. But their popularity wouldn’t last.
It appeared that owning a small hamster was merely a trend – a craze, if you will – and before you could say “hamster wheel” the rodents disappeared from the landscape of the nation.
But that wasn’t about to end the importation of this guy into the realm of domesticated pets. Fast forward to the 20th century – 1930 to be exact – when another zoologist, this time Israel Aharoni from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, discovered a female hamster complete with twelve offspring in the Syrian Desert.
The hamster who rocked the zoological world
Who would think that a discovery like this would rock the zoological world? But indeed it did. For those who took their study of rodents seriously – and professionally – Dr. Aharoni had just delivered quite a coup.
Few professionals – let alone laymen – had even heard of the hamster. Those who had known that not one had been spotted in nearly 100 years. The natural assumption among the professionals was that the species had become extinct. The professionals now learned with this discovery that the animal was merely elusive – preferring to live the life of a hermit, out of view. He actually thrived in the tunnels they created.
Dr. Aharoni did what any respectable zoologist would do – he took the newly discovered family back to Jerusalem with him. Unfortunately, he knew far too little about what was needed to keep them alive. Only a quarter of the litter survived. But he was able to breed those who did survive. But the road to celebrity status was not to be an easy one for the hamster. And he had to endure some years of hardship.
How Did Hamsters Become Pets
As you may know, it wasn’t very long ago that the hamster was used for the longest time as a laboratory animal. While this may not have been a humane fate for this tiny creature, his status helped to teach us ultimately how to keep the animals healthy in captivity. And as you might guess, this knowledge would be essential later when he becomes a popular pet.
You can still find an occasional lab hamster, though not nearly as many as a generation ago. Today, he’s the revered pet of many a household.
The transition of hamsters from laboratory animals to beloved pets can largely be attributed to the rise of interest in small, manageable companion animals during the late 20th century. As urban living became more common, people sought pets that required less space and were easier to care for than traditional cats and dogs. Hamsters, with their small size, low maintenance needs, and relatively short lifespan, fit perfectly into this new niche. Their playful nature, coupled with the ability to easily handle and interact with them, made them particularly appealing to families and children. The introduction of various breeds, such as the Syrian hamster and dwarf hamsters, further fueled their popularity, allowing pet owners to choose from a variety of colours and sizes. This shift not only changed the perception of hamsters but also led to a deeper appreciation for their behaviours and personalities, cementing their status as cherished pets in many households today.
My dad bought four Hamsters for me Circa 1946 from a pet shop on Grand Avenue in Maspeth Queens. The Owner knew very little about them and had acquired them from a U. S. Army vet who brought them with him from Syria after WW2. The vet’s wife would not let him keep them. There were two males and two females. Dad built cages for them – keeping them happy and not fighting.
Over quite a few years there were offspring which we spread throughout friends and family. They were a great addition to my love and caring for animals.