How to Take Care of a Virtual Hamster & Design a Cage

You can now raise a virtual hamster and create a cage online.

Live hamsters create odor, take up space and cost approximately $290 per year to maintain, according to "Hamster (ASPCA Pet Care Guides)." For those who want the comforts of a pet without the headache of a live animal, virtual hamsters are an entertaining option. Virtual hamsters are odorless, take up no space and are much less expensive than the real thing. The act of caring for a virtual hamster can be very similar to that of caring for a live hamster. Like their live counterparts, virtual hamsters need food, attention and a habitat.

Instructions

1. Select a virtual hamster website. Most websites are free and simply require a name and password to begin. Other virtual pet websites, according to "Webkinz," require a purchase to obtain an entry code. Once you have registered, you will be able to return to your hamster at any time.

2. Click on the appropriate areas labeled "Food," "Play" and "Clean" to take care of your hamster. The statistics area will let you know what your hamster needs and which areas require attention.

3. Design a cage with items in your virtual hamster store. Your cage might need water bottles, food bowls and exercise equipment. Keep the cage clean to ensure the health of your hamster. If the website allows, change the colors and decorate the cage with furniture and art.

4. Advance to higher levels by taking care of your hamster every day. Virtual hamsters can advance with age, such as those on "Marapet" and "Hamster Academy." The age of the hamster unlocks features that are unavailable on lower levels.

Tips & Warnings

• Neglecting your pet can cause it to virtually die.

References

• "Hamster (ASPCA Pet Care Guides)"; Mark Evans; 2001
• Ganz: Webkinz
• Marapets
• Hamster Academy: Help of the Breeder Universe