[queenofmemes]

i apologise if this is not supposed to be here, and i'll move it if there is a better category for this, but is it possible for hamsters to be used as like, a comforting pet? i don't want to say pet therapy, since that might something that requires an official document.

but i've been thinking about buying a hamster. for me, i have a lot of anxiety issues and, i don't want to say self-diagnosed, but a long term case of feeling depressed? personally, holding and caring for small animals has always been a comfort so to speak. i haven't had a hamster in about a year now, and to be honest, my cat isn't so cuddly and doesnt like to be held. i have enough to buy the ham plus supplies.

and i guess this might be a rhetorical question, but it feels a lot better to hear confirmation and/or other people that feel the same. again i apologise if this is in the wrong space.

[-jimi-]

I'm not a fan of hamsters, but I'm all for prescribing guinea pig therapy. Unfortunately guinea pigs are the worst one for pet allergies. But they are nice to hold, often cuddly (if they have good genes and grew up safe) and it really heals you to take care of and nurture someone else.

[queenofmemes]

Originally Posted by -jimi-

I'm not a fan of hamsters, but I'm all for prescribing guinea pig therapy. Unfortunately guinea pigs are the worst one for pet allergies. But they are nice to hold, often cuddly (if they have good genes and grew up safe) and it really heals you to take care of and nurture someone else.

the issues with guinea pigs is purely cost for me. since i've own a few hams before, i still have the cages and whatnot. guinea pigs are, where i live, around 30 dollars? which i do have a $40 limit, i'd have to buy a new cage, food, toys, and the lil guy himself.

as much i would do that, my mom and i are tight on money, and i wouldnt be spending much if i took care of a hamster.

thank you very much though!

[-jimi-]

I wish insurance/socialized med would pay! Cuz this stuff really helps!

I get so much comfort from my dogs, particularly when they want to crawl up on my lap to be petted. Might sound sad, but it makes me feel wanted and appreciated. Aside from knowing I'm wanted by my husband, I don't know if I feel appreciated by him. That's mainly because my depression has me struggling to do things around the house.

Plus, since I'm not working and only volunteering 6 hours a week, my feeling appreciated for contributing to an effort are minimal/short-lived. The dogs are a Godsend.

[Zippo]

I have a couple of house rabbits. They are litter trained. Everytime I look at them I get the "Awwwww" feeling. It's addictive. I look at them a hundred times a day and interact with them all day long. They are great companions. I bet a hamster would be as well.

[Verity81]

Any pet can be a comfort pet if it comforts you!

I used to keep hamsters, I think they are charming animals. As long as you keep him/her away from the cat I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun!

[HALLIEBETH87]

Pets rock!

Hamsters are SO cute! I say it might be helpful!!

[queenofmemes]

Update about the hamster-

I definitely got one, and she's adorable, but has already tried to escape. I hope she stops doing that later.

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

A hamster bit me once, so I have never taken to them, but gerbils, how about a nice desert rat: National Gerbil Society - founded 1970 I imagine they would fit in a hamster cage?

[marmaduke]

Rats make great pets, if you have the patience. They are intelligent, so can be trained. There are good books on how to train them.
They love company so usually two need to be kept togeather or they can get depressed.
Males need to be neutered tho, to be good pets.

[Webgoji]

Originally Posted by Zippo

I have a couple of house rabbits. They are litter trained. Everytime I look at them I get the "Awwwww" feeling. It's addictive. I look at them a hundred times a day and interact with them all day long. They are great companions. I bet a hamster would be as well.

My wife has our rabbit Frazzle that is litter trained and likes to sit on her lap. So yeah, therapy bunny!

[angelene]

Originally Posted by queenofmemes

Update about the hamster-

I definitely got one, and she's adorable, but has already tried to escape. I hope she stops doing that later.

I used to be a bit of a hamster queen. At one point I had 19 of them and due to the types of hamsters (solo and dwarfs), that required quite a lot in the housing department!

Hamsters are escape artists. They're actually quite brilliant when it comes to this so take care, I don't think she'll stop anytime soon. If anything, she's more likely to develop escaping skills the longer you have her.
You can give her a bit of freedom by getting her a hamster ball and letting her run somewhat "free" around your house. Just be careful with that because they like to escape the balls, too!

[mountain human]

Not trying to start a debate here BUT cats are the greatest comfort pets!

[ofthevalley]

My dogs provide better therapy than my T