Raising a Hamster

The hamster, a member of the subfamily Cricetinae, is a small burrowing rodent. The characteristic cheek pouches used by hamsters to store food have made them popular as pets. Their short, stocky bodies are covered with fur, and their short tails are another distinguishing feature. Nocturnal animals like hamsters are typically only active at night.
The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the most popular of the hamster species maintained as a pet. Roborovski hamsters, Campbell hamsters, and Winter White hamsters are just a few examples of the dwarf hamsters that are common household pets.
Hamsters are utilized in a variety of scientific investigations, including those pertaining to genetics and behavior in addition to their more common use as household pets. As a result of their prolific reproduction and low maintenance needs, they are often used as test subjects.
Like a hamster stores food in its cheek pouches, the word "hamster" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who hoards or stores items excessively.