Multiple pet household and expecting baby

[ParsleyCake]

Our first child is due in June. We also have three cats and a hamster in our house, and I could use some advice on what you think about having the hamster in the baby's room? Are there health risks?

First off, can I say that the hamster is in an enclosed glass tank on a tall but sturdy cupboard. My reasons for this is that the baby's room is a no-cat zone, just as the hamster's room would need to be - the hamster has always been in the spare room. We were originally simply going to move the hamster into our own room and kick the cats out, but it recently occurred to me that as no mess escapes the hamster tank, surely it wouldn't be that unhygienic to continue having the hamster in the other room? We do love sleeping with the cats on our bed you see, and the hamster wheel is silent.

Finally, our hamster is also quite old, and unlikely to last until the baby is able to reach the tank - though again, it is heavy and on a sturdy stand so it's pretty much inaccessible to curious children.

Please - no hate. This is a simple question that I have been idly considering. I am personally more comfortable with the baby's room being completely pet free due to hygiene, but recently someone suggested this to me and it got me thinking - although this person has no children of their own so did not know if there were health risks or not.

[Justmuddlingalong]

Aren't hamsters nocturnal, will it's squeaky wheel and gnawing not disturb the baby?

[Quinandthem]

Not really sure about hamster as I would hope all rooms are well ventilated.

But baby will probably be in with you for first 6 months

[youbethemummylion]

Tbh I wouldn't but cant actually think of a reason why not. Have you tried the cats with the hamster our cat has absolutely zero interest in our gerbils so they can be in the same room no problem.

[ISolemnlySwearImUptoNoGood]

The baby would need to be in with you for the first 6 months, so unfortunately the cats will need to go out of your room.

If the hamster is in a tank that nothing can get out of then surely nothing can get in either?

Personally I wouldn't have any pets in a baby's room.

[ParsleyCake]

yobethemummylion I'm of the same opinion to be honest. While I'm inclined not to, I can't think of a reason why not. The cats unfortunately do show far too much interest in the hamster.

Justmuddlingalong no our hamster has a large glass tank and so he doesn't get bored enough to gnaw, and even so there are no bars as it is glass.

[ParsleyCake]

ISolemnlySwearI'mUpToNoGood while the cats can't get in it stresses the hamster out with them sitting on top and pawing at the glass - also it's noisy and keeps us awake.

[ParsleyCake]

Actually it didn't occur to me that the baby would be in our room anyway at first. By the time baby will actually be using his own room, the hamster may very well have passed on - poor little guy! I suppose that by time baby is 6 months old his immune system will not be as delicate as a newborns too, so I would have less qualms about him sharing a room with a hamster - although again, this might not be a problem that comes to pass!

Thanks anyway guys, At least I know now that there are no major health risks - at least well known ones!

[Foggymist]

I'd keep the hamster in the baby's room if it was me (we have cats and 1 big dog). As you said the hamster is enclosed really, it wouldn't bother me.

[WorryWurta]

I just think it's so lovely you've put so much thought into the hamster's wellbeing. What a lucky guy, you guys will be great parents

[Jackieharris]

The problem isn't your hamster but that your cats are used to being in your bedroom which is where the baby will be sleeping.

Cats need to be kept away from babies' cots and if you change their routine suddenly when the baby arrives they may get quite territorial and resentful. So it's best to get them used to sleeping elsewhere in plenty of time.

[GoooRooo]

I have two cats and a dog. The cats quite often sleep in our bedroom - one on the floor and the other in a cat bed. I didn't kick them out when the baby arrived and they were never bothered by him and left him completely alone.

I think you're right to leave the hamster in the baby's room. You can always reassess down the line if the hamster is still around when you want to put the baby in there.