Soft, adorable, and typically active enough to be entertaining but not annoying (with the exception of some late-night wheel riders), hamsters make an excellent first pet. They are simple to care for, and can provide a child with some important lessons about life, as well as prepare him or her for caring for a larger pet down the road.

“Fancy” or “teddy bear” hamsters, which are actually Syrian or Golden Hamsters, are the most common variety kept as pets. Though usually brown, the Syrian hamster can be a variety of colors, and some have long hair that needs to be cared for. Generally very gentle and curious, they are quite hardy animals who can eat a variety of foods. Syrian hamsters need larger cages, as they are a good-sized species that need room to run and play. They live up to three years.

The “dwarf hamster” is a smaller variety. Typically white or white and gray, often with a black stripe, this hamster is much more active and social than the Syrian hamster. Some varieties include Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster and the Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster. The lifespan of a dwarf hamster is also up to three years.

Be sure to properly prepare your hamster’s home with some cozy bedding. If you’d like to take a look at the various types of bedding available, be sure to visit erika’s commentary here.

While the base of a hamster’s diet should be specially-designed hamster food (usually in pellet form), most species can eat a variety of supplemental treats such as dandelion leaves, broccoli, lettuce, carrots, and even tiny, occasional amounts of meat or porridge. There are even commercially-designed yogurt treats for hamsters in some pet stores! Check with the pet store to find out which supplements are appropriate for your new friend.

Food that goes uneaten should be removed every day. Hamsters also need access to fresh water at all times; changing the water on a weekly schedule—or filling it when half-full—is a good practice. For more information on a proper hamster diet, visit erika’s tips here.

Hamsters also like a variety of toys to play with. A wheel is a great toy for exercise and play, and there are many different chew toys and shelters—all made out of edible material—that your new friend might enjoy.

A word of caution: while hamsters are typically very docile, they can bite. Supervision should be used with young children handling hamsters, and all children should be taught to be gentle and kind to their pocket pets.