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Difference Between Mouse and Hamster

Mouse vs Hamster

Mouse and hamster are two very similar looking animals of two rodent families, but the exhibited differences are important to look at. Considering some of the biological aspects such as body size, physical features, and some of their behaviours of both mouse and hamster would serve enough differences to distinguish one from the other. As this article is about the characteristics and differences between them, it is worthwhile going through the presented information.

Mouse

Mouse is a small rodent of the Family: Muridae and different species of mice belong to this family. They are common house pests, and common prey items of snakes, cats, and foxes. These notorious pests are harmful in spreading parasitic diseases through their urine and faeces, in addition to damaging and eating crops. They are normally nocturnal animals, and that has been one of the reasons for the difficulties associated with getting rid of mice. Their vision is poor but has a keen sense of hearing and an excellent sense of smell. Mice can reproduce rapidly as they are poly oestrus, which means breeding is possible throughout the year. These long and skinny tailed, herbivorous, and ever-gnawing rodents have a small lifespan of only three months.

Hamster

Hamster is one of the 25 species of the rodent family, Cricetidae. They are nocturnal and burrowing animals. During the day time, hamsters hide in their underground burrows, so that they can prevent from the predators. They are stout bodied animals, and the pouches on the either side of the head are used to store food to use later. Hamsters are solitary animals, and do not show much social behaviour, plus they do not live in groups. They have a short tail with short stocky legs and small furry ears. They have different colourations on their coat. Hamsters have poor vision and colour blind animals. However, they have strong smelling and hearing senses. Hamsters are omnivorous in their food habits. They are not much active animals and can be easily bred in captivity, but in wild, they are seasonal breeders. The lifespan of hamsters in wild could be about two years, and more in captivity.

What is the difference between Mouse and Hamster?

• Mouse is smaller than a hamster in their body sizes.

• Mouse has a long and skinny tail, but it is short and sometime furry in hamster.

• Mouse is a social animal, whereas hamster is a solitary animal.

• Mouse is an energized, active, and difficult animal to handle, whereas hamster is sleepy, lethargic, and easy animal to handle.

• Mouse is herbivore, but hamster is an omnivore.

• Hamster has smaller ears compared to mouse.

• Hamster has long fur, but the mouse has short a fur coat.

• Hamster has a compact body, but mouse has an elongated body.

• Mouse is a poly oestrus animal and breed throughout the year. However, hamster is a seasonal breeder.

• Hamster has a longer lifespan compared to mouse.