We hamsters are hoarders and carry food to our stores in our cheek pouches. A single hamster can build a food store the size of 100 bags of sugar!

We're nocturnal, which means we sleep during the day and are active at night. The most common pet hamsters are Syrian or Golden. The Golden rule is only one Golden hamster per cage. We're extremely territorial; two of us in the same cage will fight - to the death! Russian and Chinese hamsters (also known as dwarf hamsters) prefer to live in pairs. Remember; a mixed pair will mate. Never mix Russian and Chinese hamsters.

Hamsters should always be housed indoors. Remember that although a cage can be too small, it can never be too big. Avoid wooden cages (as your hamster will chew his way out!) and metal cages, which can get rather cold. Position the cage somewhere light and airy, away from draughts, heaters, direct sunlight and other pets. Never put a cage on or near a fridge, television, radio or hi-fi.