10 year old wants a pet hamster or gerbil. We have a cat, advice appreciated esp wrt cages.

[Taffeta]

10 yo DS is ready for a pet, and to take some responsibility.

Would really value some advice about whether a hamster (which sort? ) or two gerbils would be best. We have a cat, so have seen that a tank type cage might be best, anyone have any recommendations for a good one so he can't get his paws in?

We plan on keeping the cage in DSs bedroom, which the cat won't be allowed in.

All tips welcomed.

Bump

Gerbils are not so nocturnal as hamsters so if it is going in his room that may be a factor....

Agree with gerbils being better. Maybe use a tank with secure lid? The gerbils can't chew the bars then either and that can be very noisy with hamsters or gerbils! Better to get a couple as they like company whereas Syrian hamsters have to be kept alone

I wouldn't get a hamster. Both we had became my pet because they woke up long after the DS had gone to bed - and keeping them in their rooms wasn't an option because they are very noisy. Gerbils are better, but hard to catch if they escape. The best small pets (imo) are rats. Very bright, sociable and can be trained to keep human hours.

Thanks for the advice. He really has his heart set on a hamster, although I do take the point about them being nocturnal. I am thinking it may be best to keep it in the spare room, so we can ensure the door is always shut so the cat doesn't get in.

Also, with gerbils, I notice the really good secure "tanks" you have to make yourself, can't see anywhere that seems to sell a ready made cat proof good burrowing one.

I like rats, btw, but DS not keen.

What about a guinea pig? Have it indoors and they are friendly to handle and not too fast

I adore guinea pigs but am sure the cat would get it. They need much more space I think don't they? And to be let out to run.

get a guinea pig. they are much more friendly, live longer and aren't nocturnal .

x post! you just need a decent cage and run

But the cat will kill a guinea pig!

What happens in the winter? Where do they run?

yy to a tank. a normal fish tank is fine. i made a lid for ours using a bit of chip-board shelving (wood would do) with two holes at each end to put fingers through to pick up with. hope that makes sense. too heavy for a cat to move.
i second rats as the best pets because they're much easier to tame and less likely to bite. don't get russian hamsters - they're cute but really difficult to tame so are always nipping fingers. either hamsters (normal sized ones) or gerbils are great fun. need to get more than one gerbil (or rat) though because they like company.

Just t a guinea pig cage with lid! You can use a large rabbit hutch and just add a proper catch for cat security. ( like one of those wooden ones

Can go in a run in garden when nice ( one with roof) and run around bedroom/ sit on lap etc when door is closed

Our 8yo had a hamster and even though it was in a separate room the cat bided her time until one day she got in (after scratching up the carpet a the door every day for months), got the cage open (god knows?!?) and..... ate half the hamster. Yes half. Having said that my cat is quite evil keen on hunting...