Species: Long-haired Syrian

Gender: Female

Est. DOB: November 2023

Likes: cabbage, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, apples, watermelon, broccoli, grapes, sleeping in corners and hide pots, creating man caves out of his bedding, running on the wheel, standing on her hind legs (hence the name) attempting to escape any cages, likes climbing on hands to get out of the cage

Dislikes: blueberries, sudden movements and light, being watched

Meerkat came to HSS as part of a large hamster surrender. Miraculously, for a hamster that was with many other hamster in the same cage, she does not have any bites or injuries. What’s even more incredulous is she doesn’t bite when handled. She now happily climbs unto hands because she likes to be brought out of the cage for a little expedition. She loves eating fruits but sometimes get sick of them quite easily, so best given in small amounts. She will eat the fruit from your hand and will come onto your hand once given a bit of time.

She is very particular about light and becomes really active in the night, running for long hours at times. Once the light comes on she becomes a bit on hyper alert and vigilant, and prefers hiding in her favourite corners.

Not sure what is with Syrians but she is one of those corner rats and loves sticking her face into a corner to sleep.

She loves standing on her hind legs and observing her surroundings in her hyper vigilant state, hence her name Meerkat. She does stare and observe her surroundings a lot especially when its bright out.

Requirements

Cage: 90x50cm or bigger

Wheel: 30cm wheel

Bedding: Any paper-based bedding with minimal dust

Food: As per HSS requirements; currently on Fatpouches Standard

Enrichment: As per HSS requirements