Hamsters and mice have significant differences in many aspects, including family and genus, appearance, habits, diet, living environment, and social behavior.
Differences in Family and Genus
Hamsters belong to the Cricetidae family, while mice belong to the Muridae family. Although they both fall under the sub - order Myomorpha of the order Rodentia, they are in different families, thus having distinctions in biological classification.
Differences in Appearance
- Body Shape and Weight: Hamsters are usually chubby with a relatively light weight, while mice are slender and heavier. A hamster is about 8 - 10 centimeters in length, while a mouse is approximately 12 - 30 centimeters long.
- Tail: A hamster has a short, furry tail, while a mouse has a long, hairless tail.
- Facial Features: Hamsters typically have a round face, big eyes, and relatively small ears. Mice, on the other hand, have a more pointed and elongated face, with relatively larger eyes and ears.
- Fur Color and Pattern: Hamsters come in a wide variety of fur colors, such as yellow, brown, black, white, etc., and may also have spots and patterns. Mice usually have a more monotone fur color, often gray or brown.
Differences in Habits
- Activity Time: Hamsters are mainly nocturnal animals. They rest during the day and are active at night. Mice, however, are active both during the day and at night.
- Living Environment: Hamsters prefer a dry environment and are usually adapted to living in small cages. Mice are more adapted to a damp environment and often live in hidden places like underground burrows, the walls or roofs of buildings.
- Diet: Both hamsters and mice are omnivores. Hamsters like to eat pumpkins, cabbages, lettuce, tubers, beans, fruits, wild grass, and seeds. Mice, on the other hand, prefer grains, melon seeds, peanuts, and fried foods.
Differences in Living Environment and Social Behavior
- Solitary vs. Social Living: Hamsters are usually solitary animals and are suitable for being raised alone. Mice are social animals and can live with other mice.
- Reproductive Ability: Hamsters have a relatively strong reproductive ability, being able to reproduce multiple times a year with a relatively large number of offspring per litter. Mice have an even more astonishing reproductive capacity. A pair of adult mice can produce a large number of descendants in a short period.
- Degree of Affinity to Humans: Hamsters generally have a high degree of affinity to humans and can easily form close relationships with people. Mice are more vigilant and it is difficult to establish a close relationship with them.