Are Hamsters Considered Rats?

Hamsters are indeed rodents, along with other popular pets such as gerbils, guinea pigs, mice and rats. ... These bigger rodents, along with other species such as coypu, musk-rat and water vole, have adapted to a semi-aquatic life.

Are hamsters and rats the same?

Key Difference: A rat is a medium-sized to large rodents, with a pointed muzzle, long slender and hairless tail, and dexterous forepaws. A hamster is a rodent that belongs to the Cricetidae family of the Rodentia order. ... Rats and hamsters are not the same, but can be considered as cousins (maybe once or twice removed).

Is a hamster part of the rat family?

Hamsters are rodents (order Rodentia) belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae, which contains 19 species classified in seven genera. They have become established as popular small pets. The best-known species of hamster is the golden or Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), which is the type most commonly kept as pets.