How many people in the world own a hamster?

It is difficult to determine the exact number of people in the world who own a hamster, as there are no comprehensive data explicitly tracking hamster ownership. Pet ownership patterns can vary widely across countries and regions. However, it is estimated that hamsters are popular pets in many parts of the world, and millions of people may keep hamsters as pets.

Here are a few estimates for hamster ownership in specific regions:

1. United States: According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), hamsters are among the most popular small animal pets in the United States. In 2021-2022, it was estimated that there were approximately 5.2 million pet hamsters in U.S. households.

2. Europe: While specific figures may vary, hamsters are also popular pets in various European countries. In 2018, the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) reported that about 11.5 million pet hamsters were estimated to be living in European households.

3. China: China has a significant pet industry, and hamsters are widely kept as pets. It is estimated that several million pet hamsters may live in Chinese households, though precise data may not be readily available.

It's important to note that these estimates are approximate, and the actual numbers of people owning hamsters globally may be higher or lower. Pet ownership patterns can change over time, and specific information about hamster ownership in some countries or regions may be limited or outdated.