Hamsters soar in price as animal becomes must-have pet

Hamsters soar in price as animal becomes must-have pet 精灵王国8cat.com

Hamsters have become the must-have pet in China, causing the value of the animal to triple in price. 精灵王国 www.8cat.com

The Year of the Rat began on 7th February in China and since children have been rushing out to buy a furry friend.

Whilst pet stores are receiving a growing interest in squirrels and chinchillas, it is the humble hamster - seen as more acceptable than rats and mice - that appears to have captured the imagination.

As stocks diminish, the price of hamsters has rocketed to about 30 yuan ($4.20, £2.10) across the country.

On the downside, experts are warning that hamsters have sharp teeth and can deliver a vicious bite.