Mumsnet Talk

She was eldest dd's hamster and much loved by both dd's. There have been many tears. Ironically it is youngest dd's tenth birthday this week and we have bought her a cage so that she could have her own hamster trying to pre empt the upset when Cutie passed so the timing is terrible. Not sure now what to do. I'm sure they will eventually want another hamster but suspect this week might be too soon and the new cage will bring more tears rather than squeals of joy.

Have a gentle chat, children don't always view it the same as we do.

We got our hamster a few days after we lost our elderly cat. It did help lift the mood in the house.

My DD's were 10 when our much, much loved and very spoilt house rabbit died. They were very upset at first and then held a funeral for her which seemed to perk them right up. They were fine after that. Kids do seem to pick themselves up quite quickly and accept death a lot more readily. A new hamster will probably go down very well.

Rip Cutie. Remembering the grief when Janet the hamster escaped and was lost, I feel for you!

Just a quick update, we wrapped the cage for dd's birthday and said that when she felt ready we would take her to choose her own hamster. Well that was yesterday and Sophia the hamster is settling in nicely. She seems incredibly lively and very confident, already taking food from dd and not hiding away at all. She will be much loved I am sure.

Ahh! I hope you all enjoy your new ham

Sophia! Excellent name!! We currently have Willow, Andi and Ginny (I insist on females only, I don't want them escaping and breeding!!)